Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What are written medical orders from an EMS physician commonly called?

1. Standing orders

2. Emergency directives

3. Verbal orders

4. Medical protocols

The correct answer is: Standing orders

Written medical orders from an EMS physician are commonly called standing orders because they provide a set of instructions that paramedics can follow without the need for immediate communication with the physician at the time of a patient encounter. These orders are typically pre-approved protocols outlining specific treatments or interventions that can be administered based on the patient's condition or situation. The use of standing orders ensures that emergency medical responders can act quickly, making critical decisions in the field while adhering to established medical guidelines. This is particularly important during situations where time is of the essence, such as cardiac emergencies or trauma cases. Standing orders help maintain a high standard of care while allowing for consistency and efficiency in how patient care is delivered by EMS personnel.