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

First responder agencies

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

Initial training and continuing education

Open PDF file, 120.53 KB,  Advisory 23-10-01 CPR and ACLS Training Requirements Hands-On Skills Evaluation Component (English, PDF 120.53 KB)
Open DOCX file, 41.95 KB,  Advisory 23-10-01 CPR and ACLS Training Requirements Hands-On Skills Evaluation Component (English, DOCX 41.95 KB)
Open RTF file, 287.06 KB,  Advisory: New Student Disclosure Requirement for Paramedic-Level MA Accredited Training Institutions Regarding National Accreditation, 11/14/12 (English, RTF 287.06 KB)
Open RTF file, 1.26 MB,  Advisory: EMT Certification vs. Athletic Trainer Licensure and Training (English, RTF 1.26 MB)
Open DOCX file, 53.64 KB,  Advisory 19-02-01: Training Officer Review of EMT Continuing Education 2/22/2019 (English, DOCX 53.64 KB)
Open DOCX file, 29.91 KB,  Advisory 14-9-07: Emergency Modification to Haloperidol administration under Protocol 2.4 Behavioral Emergencies 9/29/2014 (English, DOCX 29.91 KB)
Open DOCX file, 30.2 KB,  Advisory 14-8-06: Student Field Internships at MA-Licensed Ambulance Services (English, DOCX 30.2 KB)
Open DOCX file, 32.65 KB,  Advisory 14-7-04: Elimination of Refresher Training Courses (English, DOCX 32.65 KB)
Open DOCX file, 26.49 KB,  Advisory 14-5-02: Deadlines and Fees for Renewal of Accreditation (English, DOCX 26.49 KB)
Open DOCX file, 31.24 KB,  Advisory 23-02-01 IC Examiner Recertification; ATI Annual Report Implementation (English, DOCX 31.24 KB)

Certification

Open PDF file, 182.42 KB,  Advisory 24-06-01 New ALS Certification Exam (English, PDF 182.42 KB)
Open DOCX file, 42.68 KB,  Advisory 24-06-01 New ALS Certification Exam (English, DOCX 42.68 KB)
Open RTF file, 325.8 KB,  Advisory: Written Examination for EMT Certification (English, RTF 325.8 KB)
Open DOCX file, 31.24 KB,  Advisory 23-02-01 IC Examiner Recertification; ATI Annual Report Implementation (English, DOCX 31.24 KB)

Ambulance services

Open PDF file, 122.25 KB,  Advisory 24-10-09: Baxter IV Solution Supply Disruption (English, PDF 122.25 KB)
Open DOCX file, 33.76 KB,  Advisory 24-10-09: Baxter IV Solution Supply Disruption (English, DOCX 33.76 KB)
Open DOCX file, 48.84 KB,  Memorandum: Emergency Medical Service Personnel Vaccination for COVID-19 and Influenza  (English, DOCX 48.84 KB)
Open PDF file, 560.02 KB,  Advisory 23-11-01: Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) Rounds Required for All EMS Personnel (PDF) (English, PDF 560.02 KB)
Open DOCX file, 38.74 KB,  Advisory 23-11-01: Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) Rounds Required for All EMS Personnel (DOCX) (English, DOCX 38.74 KB)
Open PDF file, 571.74 KB,  Advisory 22-08-01: Substitutions During Temporary Drug Supply Shortages, 8/11/22 (English, PDF 571.74 KB)
Open DOCX file, 41.51 KB,  Advisory 22-08-01: Substitutions During Temporary Drug Supply Shortages, 8/11/22 (English, DOCX 41.51 KB)
Open PDF file, 558.23 KB,  Advisory 21-09-02: Proof of Certification and Testing Data to Obtain Massachusetts Ambulance Certification (PDF) (English, PDF 558.23 KB)
Open DOCX file, 37.64 KB,  Advisory 21-09-02: Proof of Certification and Testing Data to Obtain Massachusetts Ambulance Certification (DOC) (English, DOCX 37.64 KB)
Open PDF file, 640.88 KB,  Memorandum: Ensuring Proper Pediatric Bag-Valve Mask Device and Mask Compatibility (English, PDF 640.88 KB)
Open DOCX file, 44.58 KB,  Memorandum: Ensuring Proper Pediatric Bag-Valve Mask Device and Mask Compatibility (English, DOCX 44.58 KB)
Open DOCX file, 13.69 KB,  Notice: Caution of Placing NRB or BVM on Warming Pads (6/15/20) (English, DOCX 13.69 KB)
Open PDF file, 322.86 KB,  AR 5-401 Ambulance Equipment List: Basic Life Support – effective 6/16/2025 (English, PDF 322.86 KB)
Open DOCX file, 176.57 KB,  AR 5-401 Ambulance Equipment List: Basic Life Support – effective 6/16/2025 (English, DOCX 176.57 KB)
Open PDF file, 578.22 KB,  AR 5-400 Required Medications on Ambulances – effective 6/16/2025 (English, PDF 578.22 KB)
Open DOCX file, 333.22 KB,  AR 5-400 Required Medications on Ambulances – effective 6/16/2025 (English, DOCX 333.22 KB)
Open PDF file, 569.1 KB,  Memorandum Ensuring Defibrillator Compatibility to Provide Effective Therapy, November 2021 (English, PDF 569.1 KB)
Open DOCX file, 43.14 KB,  Memorandum Ensuring Defibrillator Compatibility to Provide Effective Therapy, November 2021 (English, DOCX 43.14 KB)
Open DOCX file, 76.88 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 (English, DOCX 76.88 KB)
Open DOCX file, 82.06 KB,  Advisory 20-03-02: Unprotected Exposure Reporting to EMS Personnel and First Responders for COVID-19 (3/20/20) (English, DOCX 82.06 KB)
Open PDF file, 573.17 KB,  Advisory 20-02-01: Physician Signatures on EMS Patient Care Reports Documenting On-Line Medical Direction Orders (2/18/20) (English, PDF 573.17 KB)
Open DOCX file, 38.83 KB,  Advisory 20-02-01: Physician Signatures on EMS Patient Care Reports Documenting On-Line Medical Direction Orders (2/18/20) (English, DOCX 38.83 KB)
Open DOCX file, 78.13 KB,  Circular Letter: DHCQ 17-1-668 Implementation of the STEP Law: Voluntary Non-Opioid Directive Form – 1/24/2017 - English (English, DOCX 78.13 KB)
Open DOC file, 561 KB,  Massachusetts EMS Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Plan (English, DOC 561 KB)
Open DOCX file, 44.42 KB,  Advisory 15-09-02: Opioid Incident Data Submission to MATRIS (English, DOCX 44.42 KB)
Open DOCX file, 46.61 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) (English, DOCX 46.61 KB)
Open DOCX file, 29.91 KB,  Advisory 14-9-07: Emergency Modification to Haloperidol administration under Protocol 2.4 Behavioral Emergencies 9/29/2014 (English, DOCX 29.91 KB)
Open DOCX file, 30.2 KB,  Advisory 14-8-06: Student Field Internships at MA-Licensed Ambulance Services (English, DOCX 30.2 KB)
Open PDF file, 1.38 MB,  Updated Massachusetts EMS Radio Communications Plan, Effective 6/6/2025 (English, PDF 1.38 MB)
Open DOC file, 1.61 MB,  Updated Massachusetts EMS Radio Communications Plan, Effective 6/6/2025 (English, DOC 1.61 MB)
Open RTF file, 51.74 KB,  EMS Operational Changes During Severe Weather Events Advisory 2/2013 (English, RTF 51.74 KB)
Open RTF file, 305.92 KB,  Advisory: Ensuring Ambulance Cot Safety and Preventing Cot Tip Over, 1/24/12 (English, RTF 305.92 KB)
Open RTF file, 291.47 KB,  Advisory: ALS Waveform Capnography Equipment Reminder and Clarification, 11/14/12 (English, RTF 291.47 KB)
Open RTF file, 35.5 KB,  Advisory: EMS Response to Assisted Living Residences vs. Licensed Health Care Facilities, and Cancellation (English, RTF 35.5 KB)
Open RTF file, 24.63 KB,  Advisory: HIPAA Allows Disclosure of Trip Records to Organ Banks (English, RTF 24.63 KB)
Open RTF file, 59.58 KB,  Advisory: Ambulances with Patients on Board Stopping at Other Emergencies (English, RTF 59.58 KB)
Open RTF file, 352.88 KB,  Urgent Notice Updated: Ferno PROFlexx Model 35-X Stretcher Failures and Cot Handling Safety (English, RTF 352.88 KB)
Open RTF file, 137.99 KB,  Advisory: Waiver of Cutoff Date in 105 CMR 170.355(C) and (D) (English, RTF 137.99 KB)
Open RTF file, 479.56 KB,  Advisory: Elevating Wheeled Cot Safety Practices (English, RTF 479.56 KB)
Open RTF file, 485.66 KB,  Advisory: Protection from Liability for Physicians Providing Medical Oversight to MA Ambulance Services (English, RTF 485.66 KB)
Open RTF file, 462.52 KB,  Advisory: TASERS and EMS Response (English, RTF 462.52 KB)
Open RTF file, 1.29 MB,  Advisory: Delivery of Ambulance Trip Records to Receiving Hospitals (English, RTF 1.29 MB)
Open DOC file, 37.5 KB,  Advisory: Pronouncement of Death Authority (English, DOC 37.5 KB)
Open RTF file, 148.02 KB,  Advisory: HIPAA authorizes a covered entity to disclose patient protected health information for treatment purposes without patient authorization (English, RTF 148.02 KB)
Open RTF file, 138.76 KB,  Advisory: Administration of Medication by Paramedics without Assessment or Transport (English, RTF 138.76 KB)
Open RTF file, 265.42 KB,  Advisory: Immediate Dispatch and Confirmation of EMS Response (English, RTF 265.42 KB)
Open DOCX file, 22.3 KB,  Memorandum: Pre-EMS Naloxone Administration Documentation (DOCX) (English, DOCX 22.3 KB)
Open PDF file, 156.29 KB,  Memorandum: Pre-EMS Naloxone Administration Documentation (PDF) (English, PDF 156.29 KB)

Statewide treatment protocols

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

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