Austin County EMS Crews Complete Training on Updated Protocols and Standard Delegated Orders

This week, Austin County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) crews successfully completed mandatory training on newly implemented protocols and Standard Delegated Orders (SDOs), which will soon take effect. These updated guidelines are designed to enhance the quality of care provided to the community by aligning with current best practices and evidence-based medicine.

What Are Standard Delegated Orders (SDOs)?

SDOs are pre-approved medical protocols that allow EMS personnel—such as paramedics and EMTs—to perform specific medical procedures and administer treatments without needing real-time physician approval. Developed by the EMS system’s medical director, these orders provide a structured approach for managing emergency situations efficiently and effectively.

SDOs typically cover:

• Medication administration – e.g., epinephrine for anaphylaxis, naloxone for opioid overdose
• Cardiac care – e.g., defibrillation, administration of aspirin for chest pain
• Airway management – e.g., endotracheal intubation, oxygen therapy
• Trauma response – e.g., spinal immobilization, hemorrhage control
• Pediatric emergency care – e.g., proper medication dosing for children

By following these established protocols, EMS providers can deliver timely, lifesaving care while operating under the legal and medical oversight of the system’s medical director.

Ongoing training ensures that EMS personnel remain well-prepared and up to date, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This recent training session was led by Captain Justin Ward, the newly appointed Clinical Manager.