Many Dispatcher Center's use - or are considering the use of - guidelines or protocols for the handling of emergency medical calls. Many dispatchers think of EMD as a set of cards they pull down off a console top when they need to give a caller instructions on how to do the Heimlich on their relative, or how to give CPR to a child that is not breathing. But EMD is much more than just a card set and it varies widely in operational usage depending on how a dispatch center implements their EMD program.

The four national vendors that offer EMD programs, card sets and even, in some cases, EMD computer software are:

• Priority Dispatch (formerly Medical Priority Dispatch) and the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch

• ACPO (APCO Institute's EMD Program)

• Powerphone (EMD Program)

EMD Resources from Dispatch Monthly (explains EMD, lists history, etc.)

EMD has been mandated in some states but not in Massachusetts. Here are some non-EMD resources that may, in the future, include more information and/or regulations about EMD in our state.

Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) - part of the Dept of Public Health - 105 CMR 170.00 EMS System Regulations