The Medical Direction and Practices Board (MDPB) remains committed to revising the Maine EMS Protocols to enable high-quality out-of-hospital care throughout Maine. However, the MDPB appreciates the immense stress being felt by the EMS system and EMS clinicians today and is determined to disseminate and implement these protocols to minimize additional impacts on the system. Due to unforeseen delays, the associated education for the 2023 Protocols will not be completed until later than expected. At the September 2023 meeting of the MDPB, the members decided the best course of action would be to delay the “go-live” date for the 2023 Protocols from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, except for the Naloxone Dispensation Protocol, which will go live on December 1, 2023.
The MDPB anticipates that training materials will be available as of November 1, 2023, allowing for a three-month educational window as preferred by the MDPB. The educational format of this protocol update cycle will be similar to those in 2021, with both live virtual webinars and asynchronous MEMSEd (Maine EMS Education System) training options. In addition, the MDPB will hold at least one in-person educational opportunity; however, that date and location have yet to be determined. Once available, information will be posted on the Maine EMS website and communicated via an Operational Bulletin.
The Naloxone Dispensation Protocol is the only exception to this delayed implementation. This protocol change will move the Naloxone Dispensation Program from optional participation to mandatory. This protocol must be implemented as originally scheduled because Maine EMS has been working with various stakeholders, including members of the Maine Legislature and federal grant partners, operating under the premise that this protocol will go live on December Page 2 of 2 1, 2023. Training and educational materials for this protocol have been in existence since the protocol was first released in 2021. Those materials can be found online within MEMSEd by logging in and searching for “Maine EMS Naloxone “Leave-Behind” Dispensation Training.” This training is required before using the Naloxone Dispensation Protocol and serves as the single protocol change that will be implemented on December 1, 2023.
The MDPB thanks you for your continued engagement and participation in the protocol update process and looks forward to seeing many of you very soon through the protocol educational process.
2023 Maine EMS Protocols "Go-Live" Changes (PDF) (9/28/23)