Q: What happens if I don’t complete an ePCR after making patient contact?
A: Failing to complete an ePCR breaches BCEHS Policy and the Emergency Health Services Act. It also leaves you exposed in cases of complaints or litigation, as without any record to refer to it is almost impossible to justify your care decisions. In the worst cases, this can actually lead to an escalation of a complaint to a more formal legal process.
Q: What if I forgot to ask the Indigenous Self-Identity Question?
A: If forgotten, continue with your e-PCR completion as usual. This initiative is about improvement, not discipline. Just aim to ask when you can. Our goal is to create a Just Culture within the organization.
Q: What if I realize I missed something?
A: If you identify an omission before submitting your ePCR, add the information immediately. After submission, updates must be added as an addendum and require supervisor to reopen the event. Contact your OCUC as soon as possible
Q: Can another paramedic document on my behalf?
A: No. Every paramedic is responsible for documenting the care they provide. However, we recognize that whilst working as a crew – we don’t expect both paramedics to submit a separate form – there may be certain events where another Paramedic completed the documentation based on the situation. We encourage working as a collective at the end of the call to review documentation to ensure accuracy.
Q: When is it appropriate for an ACP to work off another crew’s form?
A: Only when transporting the patient together and you have assumed care. You can choose to work off the same form as long as all the assessments and treatments are documented and correspond to the employee who performed them. If an ACP assessment results in the other crew transporting without the ACP crew, each crew must fill out separate ePCRs to capture any treatments or assessments performed by the ACP and to not delay transport.
Q: What if the patient refuses care?
A: Even patient refusals must be documented. Record your assessment, any advice provided, and the patient’s refusal, including their signature if possible. However, even if a formal assessment has not been completed due to an outright refusal – you can still document your observations (e.g. colour of skin, mentation, posture, work of breathing, what was said to you etc.).
Q: The patient doesn’t want me to enter a PHN so they don’t get a bill?
A: Please continue to enter the patients PHN regardless of this. The BCEHS billing department has a totally separate process to manage this after the event. The PHN search function continues to provide you with much needed information from previous visits and supports a more wholesome patient assessment.
Q: What should I do if I believe I’ve upset an Indigenous patient when asking the self-identification question?
A: While the education and training provided aim to prepare staff to approach this question respectfully and safely, we recognize that every interaction is unique. If you notice a change in the patient's demeanor or feel the question may have caused discomfort, pause, acknowledge the impact, and offer a sincere apology. You might say something like, “I’m sorry if that question felt uncomfortable. I’d like to learn how I could ask it in a better way.”