We are pleased to present the Florida College of Emergency
Physicians (FCEP) Position Statements. The FCEP Board of
Directors establishes the positions of the College. These
position statements have an external focus; internal positions
regarding the governance of the College are not included.
The following are the Florida College
of Emergency Physicians approved statements in emergency
medicine.
The Florida College of Emergency Physicians (FCEP) is in
agreement with the Florida Association of EMS Medical Directors
(FAEMSMD), with regard to the roles and responsibilities of the
EMS Medical Director. The FAEMSMD is an organization of
physicians who serve as Medical Directors for licensed EMS
agencies in the State of Florida. The group is recognized by the
Florida Department of Health as representing the State’s
physician leadership in EMS.
Pursuant to Florida Statute Chapter 401, and Florida
Administrative Code 64E-2.004, EMS agencies are required to
contract or employ an appropriately qualified medical director,
which must be an M.D. or D.O.
The following are an EMS Medical Director’s compulsory
responsibilities:
• An EMS Medical Director shall develop and monitor medically
correct standing orders or protocols that permit specified ALS
(Advanced Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) procedures.
• An EMS Medical Director shall develop, implement and oversee a
patient care quality assurance system.
• An EMS Medical Director shall ensure and certify the security
procedures of the EMS provider for medications, fluids and
controlled substances.
• An EMS Medical Director shall ensure adherence to detailed
written operating procedures regarding all aspects of the
handling of medications, fluids and controlled substances by the
provider.
The Florida College of Emergency Physicians supports efforts by
Medical Directors and EMS providers that act to improve patient
safety throughout the State of Florida. Every EMS Medical
Director has the obligation and responsibility to ensure that
medical care provided under their license is safe, medically
correct, and free from reasonably avoidable medical errors. In
order to accomplish this, Medical Directors must regularly
assess the skill set competency and fund of knowledge of EMS
personnel acting under their scope of oversight. When
deficiencies are recognized, appropriate remedial actions should
be taken to preserve the high quality of care being delivered by
Florida’s dedicated EMS providers.
