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Advisories, memos, and notices for OEMS

See relevant advisories and more for the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).

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Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination by EMS Personnel Under Commissioner’s Order June 24, 2022

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health Allowing Certain Individuals to Administer COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine – June 24, 2022
Drug Control Program Guidance for EMS Personnel, Medical and Nursing Student Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – June 24, 2022 (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 30.59 KB (English, DOCX 30.59 KB)
Special Protocol for EMS Personnel Flu Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – December 18, 2020 (PDF), Open PDF file, 307.74 KB (English, PDF 307.74 KB)
Special Protocol for EMS Personnel Flu Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – December 18, 2020 (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 137.83 KB (English, DOCX 137.83 KB)
Special Protocol for Paramedic and Advanced EMT COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – June 24, 2022 (PDF), Open PDF file, 287.49 KB (English, PDF 287.49 KB)
Special Protocol for Paramedic and Advanced EMT COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – June 24, 2022 (DOCX), Open RTF file, 3.01 MB (English, RTF 3.01 MB)
Special Protocol for EMT-Basic COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – June 24, 2022 (PDF), Open PDF file, 282.82 KB (English, PDF 282.82 KB)
Special Protocol for EMT-Basic COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – June 24, 2022 (DOCX), Open RTF file, 3.12 MB (English, RTF 3.12 MB)
Special Protocol Appendix A1 for EMS Personnel Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – Updated May 18, 2021 (PDF) , Open PDF file, 1.45 MB (English, PDF 1.45 MB)
Special Protocol Appendix A1 for EMS Personnel Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – Updated May 18, 2021 (DOCX) , Open DOCX file, 745.31 KB (English, DOCX 745.31 KB)
Special Protocol Appendix A2 for EMS Personnel Moderna COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – December 18, 2020 (PDF), Open PDF file, 451.31 KB (English, PDF 451.31 KB)
Special Protocol Appendix A2 for EMS Personnel Moderna COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – December 18, 2020 (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 69.59 KB (English, DOCX 69.59 KB)
Special Protocol Appendix A3 for EMS Personnel Janssen COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – March 1, 2021 (PDF), Open PDF file, 395.55 KB (English, PDF 395.55 KB)
Special Protocol Appendix A3 for EMS Personnel Janssen COVID-19 Vaccination under Commissioner’s Order – March 1, 2021 (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 91.91 KB (English, DOCX 91.91 KB)
Special Protocol Appendix A4 for EMS Personnel Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Ages 5-11 under Commissioner’s Order – November 4, 2021 (PDF) , Open PDF file, 1.32 MB (English, PDF 1.32 MB)
Special Protocol Appendix A4 for EMS Personnel Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Ages 5-11 under Commissioner’s Order – November 4, 2021 (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 813.51 KB (English, DOCX 813.51 KB)
CDC/ACIP IM Injection – December 18, 2020 (PDF), Open PDF file, 170.71 KB (English, PDF 170.71 KB)
CDC/ACIP IM Injection – December 18, 2020 (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 152 KB (English, DOCX 152 KB)
CDC/ACIP Vaccine Administration – December 18, 2020 (PDF), Open PDF file, 313.8 KB (English, PDF 313.8 KB)
CDC/ACIP Vaccine Administration – December 18, 2020 (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 139.65 KB (English, DOCX 139.65 KB)

First responder agencies

Optional First Responder Naloxone Program Frequently Asked Questions, Open DOCX file, 17.37 KB (English, DOCX 17.37 KB)
Guidance on Optional Naloxone Program for First Responder Agencies, Open DOCX file, 78.31 KB (English, DOCX 78.31 KB)

Initial training and continuing education

Advisory 23-11-02 CPR and ACLS Training Requirements Hands-On Skills Evaluation Component, Open DOCX file, 42.2 KB (English, DOCX 42.2 KB)
Advisory: New Student Disclosure Requirement for Paramedic-Level MA Accredited Training Institutions Regarding National Accreditation, 11/14/12, Open RTF file, 287.06 KB (English, RTF 287.06 KB)
Advisory: EMT Certification vs. Athletic Trainer Licensure and Training, Open RTF file, 1.26 MB (English, RTF 1.26 MB)
Advisory 19-02-01: Training Officer Review of EMT Continuing Education 2/22/2019, Open DOCX file, 53.64 KB (English, DOCX 53.64 KB)
Advisory 14-9-07: Emergency Modification to Haloperidol administration under Protocol 2.4 Behavioral Emergencies 9/29/2014, Open DOCX file, 29.91 KB (English, DOCX 29.91 KB)
Advisory 14-8-06: Student Field Internships at MA-Licensed Ambulance Services, Open DOCX file, 30.2 KB (English, DOCX 30.2 KB)
Advisory 14-7-04: Elimination of Refresher Training Courses, Open DOCX file, 32.65 KB (English, DOCX 32.65 KB)
Advisory 14-5-02: Deadlines and Fees for Renewal of Accreditation, Open DOCX file, 26.49 KB (English, DOCX 26.49 KB)
Advisory 23-02-01 IC Examiner Recertification; ATI Annual Report Implementation, Open DOCX file, 31.24 KB (English, DOCX 31.24 KB)

Certification

Advisory 25-11-01 Limits on EMS Personnel Functioning as EMTs and Paramedics, Open PDF file, 173.13 KB (English, PDF 173.13 KB)
Advisory 25-11-01 Limits on EMS Personnel Functioning as EMTs and Paramedics, Open DOCX file, 35.13 KB (English, DOCX 35.13 KB)
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Advisory 25-11-01, Open PDF file, 209.8 KB (English, PDF 209.8 KB)
Frequently Asked Questions regarding Advisory 25-11-01, Open DOCX file, 32.09 KB (English, DOCX 32.09 KB)
Frequently Asked Questions for Health Care Facilities regarding Advisory 25-11-01 , Open PDF file, 180.52 KB (English, PDF 180.52 KB)
Frequently Asked Questions for Health Care Facilities regarding Advisory 25-11-01, Open DOCX file, 27.2 KB (English, DOCX 27.2 KB)
Updated Frequently Asked Questions regarding Advisory 25-11-01 , Open PDF file, 208.66 KB (English, PDF 208.66 KB)
Updated Frequently Asked Questions regarding Advisory 25-11-01 , Open DOCX file, 43.3 KB (English, DOCX 43.3 KB)
Advisory 24-06-01 New ALS Certification Exam, Open PDF file, 182.42 KB (English, PDF 182.42 KB)
Advisory 24-06-01 New ALS Certification Exam, Open DOCX file, 42.68 KB (English, DOCX 42.68 KB)
Advisory: Written Examination for EMT Certification, Open RTF file, 325.8 KB (English, RTF 325.8 KB)
Advisory 23-02-01 IC Examiner Recertification; ATI Annual Report Implementation, Open DOCX file, 31.24 KB (English, DOCX 31.24 KB)

Ambulance services

DPH Memorandum, September 11, 2026: Addressing Delays in Patients Receiving the Appropriate Level and Site of Perinatal Care, When Transfer is Necessary, Open DOCX file, 45.25 KB (English, DOCX 45.25 KB)
Advisory 26-07-01: Clarification of Statewide Trauma Point of Entry Plan Red Criteria Patient Transport Destination, Open DOCX file, 28.96 KB (English, DOCX 28.96 KB)
Advisory 24-10-09: Baxter IV Solution Supply Disruption , Open PDF file, 122.25 KB (English, PDF 122.25 KB)
Advisory 24-10-09: Baxter IV Solution Supply Disruption , Open DOCX file, 33.76 KB (English, DOCX 33.76 KB)
Memorandum: Emergency Medical Service Personnel Vaccination for COVID-19 and Influenza , Open DOCX file, 48.84 KB (English, DOCX 48.84 KB)
Advisory 23-11-01: Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) Rounds Required for All EMS Personnel (PDF), Open PDF file, 560.02 KB (English, PDF 560.02 KB)
Advisory 23-11-01: Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) Rounds Required for All EMS Personnel (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 38.74 KB (English, DOCX 38.74 KB)
Advisory 23-07-01 ASHER Training for EMS, Open DOCX file, 41.21 KB (English, DOCX 41.21 KB)
Advisory 22-08-01: Substitutions During Temporary Drug Supply Shortages, 8/11/22 , Open PDF file, 571.74 KB (English, PDF 571.74 KB)
Advisory 22-08-01: Substitutions During Temporary Drug Supply Shortages, 8/11/22 , Open DOCX file, 41.51 KB (English, DOCX 41.51 KB)
Advisory 21-09-02: Proof of Certification and Testing Data to Obtain MA Ambulance Certification, 4/8/26, Open DOCX file, 31.44 KB (English, DOCX 31.44 KB)
Memorandum: Ensuring Proper Pediatric Bag-Valve Mask Device and Mask Compatibility, Open PDF file, 640.88 KB (English, PDF 640.88 KB)
Memorandum: Ensuring Proper Pediatric Bag-Valve Mask Device and Mask Compatibility, Open DOCX file, 44.58 KB (English, DOCX 44.58 KB)
Notice: Caution of Placing NRB or BVM on Warming Pads (6/15/20) , Open DOCX file, 13.69 KB (English, DOCX 13.69 KB)
Memorandum Ensuring Defibrillator Compatibility to Provide Effective Therapy, November 2021, Open PDF file, 569.1 KB (English, PDF 569.1 KB)
Memorandum Ensuring Defibrillator Compatibility to Provide Effective Therapy, November 2021, Open DOCX file, 43.14 KB (English, DOCX 43.14 KB)
Emergency Waiver: EMS Transport of Emergency Patients in Impending Childbirth or with Pregnancy Complications to Designated Alternate Sites on Hospital Grounds – 4/3/20, Open DOCX file, 76.88 KB (English, DOCX 76.88 KB)
Advisory 20-03-02: Unprotected Exposure Reporting to EMS Personnel and First Responders for COVID-19 (3/20/20), Open DOCX file, 82.06 KB (English, DOCX 82.06 KB)
Advisory 20-02-01: Physician Signatures on EMS Patient Care Reports Documenting On-Line Medical Direction Orders (2/18/20) , Open PDF file, 573.17 KB (English, PDF 573.17 KB)
Advisory 20-02-01: Physician Signatures on EMS Patient Care Reports Documenting On-Line Medical Direction Orders (2/18/20) , Open DOCX file, 38.83 KB (English, DOCX 38.83 KB)
Circular Letter: DHCQ 17-1-668 Implementation of the STEP Law: Voluntary Non-Opioid Directive Form – 1/24/2017 - English, Open DOCX file, 78.13 KB (English, DOCX 78.13 KB)
Massachusetts EMS Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan , Open DOC file, 561 KB (English, DOC 561 KB)
Advisory 15-09-02: Opioid Incident Data Submission to MATRIS, Open DOCX file, 44.42 KB (English, DOCX 44.42 KB)
ADVISORY 15-7-01: Updates to US GSA Federal Specification for the Star of Life Ambulance, KKK-A-1822F and MA Implementation Timeline (Corrected), Open DOCX file, 46.61 KB (English, DOCX 46.61 KB)
Advisory 14-9-07: Emergency Modification to Haloperidol administration under Protocol 2.4 Behavioral Emergencies 9/29/2014, Open DOCX file, 29.91 KB (English, DOCX 29.91 KB)
Advisory 14-8-06: Student Field Internships at MA-Licensed Ambulance Services, Open DOCX file, 30.2 KB (English, DOCX 30.2 KB)
Updated Massachusetts EMS Radio Communications Plan, Effective 6/6/2025 , Open PDF file, 1.38 MB (English, PDF 1.38 MB)
Updated Massachusetts EMS Radio Communications Plan, Effective 6/6/2025, Open DOC file, 1.61 MB (English, DOC 1.61 MB)
EMS Operational Changes During Severe Weather Events Advisory 2/2013, Open RTF file, 51.74 KB (English, RTF 51.74 KB)
Advisory: Ensuring Ambulance Cot Safety and Preventing Cot Tip Over, 1/24/12, Open RTF file, 305.92 KB (English, RTF 305.92 KB)
Advisory: ALS Waveform Capnography Equipment Reminder and Clarification, 11/14/12, Open RTF file, 291.47 KB (English, RTF 291.47 KB)
Advisory: EMS Response to Assisted Living Residences vs. Licensed Health Care Facilities, and Cancellation, Open RTF file, 35.5 KB (English, RTF 35.5 KB)
Advisory: HIPAA Allows Disclosure of Trip Records to Organ Banks, Open RTF file, 24.63 KB (English, RTF 24.63 KB)
Advisory: Ambulances with Patients on Board Stopping at Other Emergencies, Open RTF file, 59.58 KB (English, RTF 59.58 KB)
Urgent Notice Updated: Ferno PROFlexx Model 35-X Stretcher Failures and Cot Handling Safety, Open RTF file, 352.88 KB (English, RTF 352.88 KB)
Advisory: Waiver of Cutoff Date in 105 CMR 170.355(C) and (D), Open RTF file, 137.99 KB (English, RTF 137.99 KB)
Advisory: Elevating Wheeled Cot Safety Practices, Open RTF file, 479.56 KB (English, RTF 479.56 KB)
Advisory: Protection from Liability for Physicians Providing Medical Oversight to MA Ambulance Services, Open RTF file, 485.66 KB (English, RTF 485.66 KB)
Advisory: TASERS and EMS Response, Open RTF file, 462.52 KB (English, RTF 462.52 KB)
Advisory: Delivery of Ambulance Trip Records to Receiving Hospitals, Open RTF file, 1.29 MB (English, RTF 1.29 MB)
Advisory: Pronouncement of Death Authority, Open DOC file, 37.5 KB (English, DOC 37.5 KB)
Advisory: HIPAA authorizes a covered entity to disclose patient protected health information for treatment purposes without patient authorization, Open RTF file, 148.02 KB (English, RTF 148.02 KB)
Advisory: Administration of Medication by Paramedics without Assessment or Transport, Open RTF file, 138.76 KB (English, RTF 138.76 KB)
Advisory: Immediate Dispatch and Confirmation of EMS Response, Open RTF file, 265.42 KB (English, RTF 265.42 KB)
Memorandum: Pre-EMS Naloxone Administration Documentation (DOCX), Open DOCX file, 22.3 KB (English, DOCX 22.3 KB)
Memorandum: Pre-EMS Naloxone Administration Documentation (PDF), Open PDF file, 156.29 KB (English, PDF 156.29 KB)

Statewide treatment protocols

All Statewide Treatment Protocol documents
Emergency Medical Services Statewide Police Dog Protocols – Effective no later than February 10, 2023, Open DOCX file, 3.13 MB (English, DOCX 3.13 MB)
Emergency Medical Services Statewide Police Dog Protocols – Effective no later than February 10, 2023, Open PDF file, 1.26 MB (English, PDF 1.26 MB)
Update: Ketamine Authorized for Use by Paramedics When Treating Behavioral Emergency Patients - 12/15/16, Open DOCX file, 499.83 KB (English, DOCX 499.83 KB)
Advisory 21-09-01: Ensuring Paramedic Competency in 12-Lead ECG Interpretation, Open DOCX file, 42.23 KB (English, DOCX 42.23 KB)

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