What should be done if a procedure is not addressed in the EMS Reference Manual?

• A. Perform the most similar procedure described.
• B. Contact Medical Control.
• C. Proceed with any available procedure.
• D. Document and discontinue.

Answer: (B)

When a procedure isn't addressed in the EMS Reference Manual, contact Medical Control to obtain guidance, authorization for a deviation, or a recommended alternative. This ensures you’re acting under a clinician’s oversight and within approved protocols, keeping patient safety and legal responsibilities in mind.

Medical Control can provide specific instructions for the situation, authorize a protocol deviation if appropriate, or suggest an approved alternative procedure that fits your scope of practice. Relying on personal judgment without oversight can lead to unsafe care or legal issues, so getting that expert guidance is the right move.

The other options skip the necessary supervision: performing the most similar procedure may still be outside approved practice and unsafe due to different indications and requirements, proceeding with any available procedure bypasses oversight, and documenting and discontinuing would omit needed care without authorization.