A reminder that the new (December 1, 2021) Maine EMS protocols go into effect at midnight tonight. Services and clinicians should remove old versions of the protocols and ensure availability of the new protocols. The free “Maine EMS Protocol App” (Wolf Apps LLC) is available for download at the Apple App Store for iPhones/iPads or Google Play Store for Android devices. The app will be updated at approximately midnight to reflect the new protocols – users may need to manually update their devices. Additionally, a full set of protocols (in pdf format, searchable, and with links in index and table of contents) can be viewed or downloaded at https://www.maine.gov/ems/sites/maine.gov.ems/files/inline-files/Final-2021-Protocol-ALL-compressed.pdf
EMS Clinicians must complete the 2021 protocol update before using the updated protocols (and will no longer be able to use the old protocols). This can be accomplished by either completing the MEMSEd course or by previously attending one of the 7 statewide live 2021 protocol updates. The free update course is available on the Maine EMS MEMSEd platform 24/7 at https://memsed.maineems.org/LMS/
The MDPB extended the implementation of the EMT expanded scope of practice, which can be implemented anytime on or after December 1, 2021.
- Nebulizer use by EMTs is mandatory for all EMT licensed/permitted services by March 1, 2022
- CPAP and 12-lead Acquisition are optional skills for all EMT licensed/permitted services
Additional training is required for all three of these expanded scope practices, and additional resources for the protocols/education can be found at https://www.maine.gov/ems/protocols-resources/pre-hospital-care-protocols
If you have any questions, please contact Maine EMS at maine.ems@maine.gov or at 207-626-3860.
Thank you!