Medical Priority Dispatch System

Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) is a unified system used by emergency dispatch centers worldwide to provide appropriate emergency responses. It was developed by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) and is considered the gold standard for emergency dispatch protocols.

Overview

The Medical Priority Dispatch System is a system of protocols used to dispatch appropriate aid to medical emergencies including systematized caller interrogation and pre-arrival instructions. The MPDS was developed by Dr. Jeff Clawson in the late 1970s and has been updated and expanded over the years to reflect advances in the field of emergency medicine.

History

The Medical Priority Dispatch System was first developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Jeff Clawson, a Salt Lake City fire department medical director who saw a need for a more systematic approach to emergency medical dispatching. The system was initially implemented in Salt Lake City and has since been adopted by emergency dispatch centers around the world.

Function

The MPDS uses a series of protocols to determine the nature and priority of a call, the appropriate response, and any necessary pre-arrival instructions. The system is designed to maximize both the efficiency and safety of emergency medical responses.

Protocols

The protocols used in the MPDS are based on a careful analysis of patient symptoms and circumstances. They are designed to be used by trained emergency medical dispatchers, who use the protocols to guide their questioning of callers and their dispatching of appropriate aid.

Training

Training in the use of the MPDS is provided by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). The training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice with simulated calls.

Criticism

While the MPDS is widely used and respected, it has also been the subject of some criticism. Some critics argue that the system is too rigid and does not allow for enough flexibility in responding to individual calls. Others argue that the system is too complex and difficult for dispatchers to use effectively.

See also

• Emergency medical dispatcher
• Emergency medical services
• International Academies of Emergency Dispatch

Medical Priority Dispatch System Resources
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