Georgia ENA

 View Only

  • 1.  Paramedics in the Emergency Department?

    Posted 10-02-2019 12:55 AM
    I'm inquiring to receive some information and guidance regarding a paramedics role in the emergency department in Georgia. Our facility has recently considered employing medics to perform tasks and assessments but there has been much debate over the scope of practice and who is ultimately responsible for their duties. The job description has been written by our legal department, but is very broad on the duties they are to preform. After reviewing the nurse practice act for Georgia, I'm even more concerned because I'm unsure of who the responsibility falls on when tasks are delegated for them to perform. There has also been debate regarding they're ability to perform a triage assessment. I would appreciate any feedback or direction that could be provided to assist with this.
    Thank you,
    Ashley Clark R.N.


    ------------------------------
    Ashley Clark
    RN
    South East Georgia Health Care System
    Saint Marys GA
    856-275-5264
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Paramedics in the Emergency Department?

    Posted 10-14-2019 03:55 PM
    Hi Ashley,

    Thanks for reaching out! I agree that the scopes of practice for RNs and medics are different enough to make it confusing, however there are many departments across the country that use both and there are a variety of structures that function well. Each organization has the right and the freedom to create its own "scope" for the paramedic to best meet its needs. I've worked in an environment where the medics worked within their state-mandated scope for tasking (IV/IO starts, blood draws, medications, etc) but still occasionally ran into those "can they really do that" situations. One of the best programs I'm aware of has been used in the Piedmont Healthcare system. From what I understand, no one has to worry about keeping up with a long list of what medics CAN do, they put out a SMALL list of what the medics CAN'T do.

    Michael Zimmerman is the executive director of Emergency Services for the Piedmont Columbus Regional Group, I know that he oversaw the medic roles while he was working at the Piedmont hospital in Newnan. I'll reach out to him and give him your email address if that's okay. He's a super smart guy and will be able to answer many of the questions you may have.

    Regards,

    Jack Rodgers
    2019 Georgia ENA President

    ------------------------------
    Jack Rodgers
    2019 State Council President
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Paramedics in the Emergency Department?

    Posted 10-15-2019 07:28 AM
    I am interested in the information as well

    ------------------------------
    Connie Bowers
    Director Emergency department and Walk In Clnic
    Coffee Regional Medical Center
    Douglas GA
    (912)310-8363
    Director Critical Care SvcsDirector Critical Care Svcs
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Paramedics in the Emergency Department?

    Posted 10-15-2019 09:15 AM
    Absolutely Connie! Will be back in touch soon.


    ------Original Message------

    I am interested in the information as well

    ------------------------------
    Connie Bowers
    Director Emergency department and Walk In Clnic
    Coffee Regional Medical Center
    Douglas GA
    (912)310-8363
    Director Critical Care SvcsDirector Critical Care Svcs
    ------------------------------