Paramedic and EMR Workflow & Use of ePCR

The use of the electronic Patient Care Report (ePCR) during patient contact should be carefully timed to prioritize the immediate needs of the patient. Here are the key guidelines for when and how to use the ePCR effectively, ensuring the patient's welfare remains at the forefront:

• Prioritize Patient Needs: During the primary survey, initial vital signs, assessment, or when performing interventions, the focus should be entirely on the patient. These are critical moments where undivided attention is necessary to accurately assess and address the patient's condition.
• Handle Critical Situations First: If the patient requires resuscitation or any other critical interventions, documenting on the ePCR should be set aside. In such cases, essential patient information can be temporarily noted in the BCEHS notebook. This ensures that vital information is captured without compromising the immediacy of care.
• Patient information: After the primary survey and critical interventions are complete, and before transporting the patient, obtain the necessary patient information. Writing this information down in your BCEHS notebook when transporting the patient to the hospital is an option. If transportation is not time-sensitive and all the patient’s needs are met, only then can the ePCR be used while on scene.
• Transfer Information Appropriately: Information noted in the BCEHS notebook should be transferred to the ePCR at a suitable time that does not interfere with patient care.
• Patient Refusal: The ePCR will be required at the patient’s side, to read to the patient the release of responsibility and to have the patient sign the refusal section.

By adhering to these guidelines, Paramedics and EMRs can ensure that patient care is prioritized while still fulfilling documentation requirements. This structured approach helps maintain an effective balance between immediate patient care and necessary administrative duties.