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Red Lights and Siren Transportation Policy
REGIONS HOSPITAL EMS

POLICY/PROCEDURE:
Red Lights and Siren Transportation Policy
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ISSUED BY:

Medical Director


No. 05-119

DATE: January 1, 2005
Supersedes:
No.


PURPOSE:
To delineate when it is most appropriate to transport a patient with the use of red lights and sirens.

POLICY:
After assessing the risk versus benefit to the patient, and finding them to be in one of the categories below, it is
appropriate for these patients to be transported to a medical facility using lights and siren:
Airway inability to maintain an adequate patient airway, upper airway stridor
Breathing severe respiratory distress unresponsive to treatment
Circulation Cardiac arrest, hypotension despite fluids or medical management, symptomatic
tachycardia, or bradycardia, potential candidates for thrombolytics, or angioplasty
Trauma Any patient meeting the TTA criteria, penetrating trauma to head, neck or torso, major long
bone fractures, major amputations, injuries that produce neurovascular compromise
Neurologic GCS < 13, seizures unresponsive to treatment, symptoms of stroke that appear to be < 5
hours old
Obstetrical prolapsed cord, premature labor, breech presentation, ectopic pregnancy, post birth
complications for mother or baby
Pediatrics (<8 years) upper airway stridor, distress secondary to illness or injury, (note) because
pediatric patients are difficult to assess consult with on-line medical control for guidance on transport
decisions
Any patient felt to be in imminent danger upon discretion of the crew

RESPONSE:
Each agency should maintain policies for emergency vehicle response that minimally adheres to state
statutes. Medical Director expects these policies will be adhered to.