Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Protocols and
Determinant Codes Review — 2025 Updated
Guide
A second-party caller reports that a 45-year-old female has been bitten by a snake. Key
Questioning finds:
snake is now dead
patient is alert
no difficulty breathing or swallowing
What is the most appropriate Determinant Code? ✔✔2-D-4
An effective quality improvement program includes case review, feedback, and: ✔✔continuing
dispatch education (CDE)
MPDS words or phrases that have a specific dispatch definition are marked using: ✔✔all
uppercase text (all capital letters)
The Priority Symptoms are: ✔✔abnormal breathing, chest pain/discomfort (any), decreased
level of consciousness, and SERIOUS hemorrhage
An alert, 34-year-old, first-party caller reports that he is having chest pain. Key Questioning
finds:
slight difficulty breathing
, no difficulty speaking between breaths
clammy
no history of heart attack or angina
no drugs or medications in the past 12 hours
What is the most appropriate Determinant Code? ✔✔10-D-4
When using the MPDS, actual response assignments and emergency modes (lights-and-siren vs.
no lights-and-siren) are predetermined by: ✔✔local Medical Control and EMS Administration
You are using the Stroke Diagnostic Tool. The caller reports:
slight difference in smile
one arm higher than other (both raised, but unequally)
said "The early bird catches the worm" correctly
This should be considered: ✔✔STRONG evidence of stroke
Which of the following is the best definition for "cervical cerclage"? ✔✔a surgical procedure
meant to prevent premature dilation of the cervix and, therefore, premature labor
A second-party caller reports that his 85-year-old sister says her heart is beating way too fast
and she needs to go to the doctor. The patient is awake and breathing effectively. Immediately
after completing Case Entry interrogation, you should go to: ✔✔Protocol 19: Heart
Problems/A.I.C.D
Determinant Codes Review — 2025 Updated
Guide
A second-party caller reports that a 45-year-old female has been bitten by a snake. Key
Questioning finds:
snake is now dead
patient is alert
no difficulty breathing or swallowing
What is the most appropriate Determinant Code? ✔✔2-D-4
An effective quality improvement program includes case review, feedback, and: ✔✔continuing
dispatch education (CDE)
MPDS words or phrases that have a specific dispatch definition are marked using: ✔✔all
uppercase text (all capital letters)
The Priority Symptoms are: ✔✔abnormal breathing, chest pain/discomfort (any), decreased
level of consciousness, and SERIOUS hemorrhage
An alert, 34-year-old, first-party caller reports that he is having chest pain. Key Questioning
finds:
slight difficulty breathing
, no difficulty speaking between breaths
clammy
no history of heart attack or angina
no drugs or medications in the past 12 hours
What is the most appropriate Determinant Code? ✔✔10-D-4
When using the MPDS, actual response assignments and emergency modes (lights-and-siren vs.
no lights-and-siren) are predetermined by: ✔✔local Medical Control and EMS Administration
You are using the Stroke Diagnostic Tool. The caller reports:
slight difference in smile
one arm higher than other (both raised, but unequally)
said "The early bird catches the worm" correctly
This should be considered: ✔✔STRONG evidence of stroke
Which of the following is the best definition for "cervical cerclage"? ✔✔a surgical procedure
meant to prevent premature dilation of the cervix and, therefore, premature labor
A second-party caller reports that his 85-year-old sister says her heart is beating way too fast
and she needs to go to the doctor. The patient is awake and breathing effectively. Immediately
after completing Case Entry interrogation, you should go to: ✔✔Protocol 19: Heart
Problems/A.I.C.D
