What must treatment and transport protocols address?

• A. Equipment and medications used on Tier II transports
• B. Staffing ratios for Tier I transports
• C. Hospital accreditation standards
• D. Patient satisfaction metrics

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that treatment and transport protocols must define what equipment is on board and what medications crew members are authorized to use during transport. This establishes exactly what care can be delivered on a Tier II unit and ensures consistency, safety, and legal compliance across providers. For Tier II transports, protocols specify the actual devices (defibrillator, airway tools, monitor, IV setup, suction, etc.) and the drugs that may be administered, including indications, dosing, routes, contraindications, and administration sequences. By tying clinical actions directly to the capabilities of the transport unit, the system avoids procedures or therapies that aren't supported by the equipment or scope of practice and ensures the crew can deliver timely, appropriate care during transport.

The other options aren’t the focus of treatment and transport protocols. Staffing ratios for Tier I transports relate more to crew deployment and operational staffing; hospital accreditation standards pertain to hospital-level requirements rather than EMS transport protocols; and patient satisfaction metrics are quality measures, not the clinical content of transport protocols.