ASTM F1560-00(2022)
Standard Practice for Emergency Medical Dispatch Management

Standard No.

ASTM F1560-00(2022)

Release Date

2022

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM F1560-00(2022)

Scope

1.1 This practice covers the function of the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD). This function is the prompt and accurate processing of calls for emergency medical assistance. The training and practice through the use of a written or automated medical dispatch protocol is not sufficient in itself to ensure continued medically correct functioning of the EMD. Their dispatch-specific medical training and focal role in EMS has developed to such a complexity that only through a correctly structured and appropriately managed quality assurance environment can the benefits of their practice be fully realized. The philosophies of emergency medical dispatch have established new duties to which the emergency medical dispatch agency must respond. It is important that their quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI) activities, including initial hiring, orientation, training and certification, continuing dispatch education, recertification, and performance evaluation be given appropriate managerial attention to help ensure the ongoing safety in the performance of the EMD. This practice establishes functional guidelines for these managerial, administrative, and supervisory functions. 1.2 The scope of this practice includes: 1.2.1 The entry level selection criteria for hiring emergency medical dispatchers; 1.2.2 The orientation of new emergency medical dispatchers; 1.2.3 Development of QA/QI mechanisms, management strategies, and organizational structures for use within a comprehensive emergency medical dispatch system; 1.2.4 Performance evaluation as a component of a comprehensive and ongoing quality assurance and risk management program for an emergency medical dispatch system; 1.2.5 Development and provision of continuing dispatch education activities for the emergency medical dispatcher; 1.2.6 Requirements for initial certification and recertification of the emergency medical dispatcher; 1.2.7 Provision for comparative analysis between different EMD program approaches available to the EMS community that conform to established EMD practice standards prior to implementation of an emergency medical dispatch program; and 1.2.8 Guidelines for implementation of an emergency medical dispatch program. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the 1 This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F30 on Emergency Medical Services and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F30.04 on Communications. Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F1560 – 00 (2014). DOI: 10.1520/F1560-00R22. Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 1 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F1560-00(2022) Referenced Document

• ASTM F1258 Standard Practice for Emergency Medical Dispatch
• ASTM F1552 Standard Practice for Training Instructor Qualification and Certification Eligibility of Emergency Medical Dispatchers

ASTM F1560-00(2022) history

• 2022 ASTM F1560-00(2022) Standard Practice for Emergency Medical Dispatch Management
• 2000 ASTM F1560-00(2014) Standard Practice for Emergency Medical Dispatch Management
• 2000 ASTM F1560-00(2006) Standard Practice for Emergency Medical Dispatch Management
• 2000 ASTM F1560-00 Standard Practice for Emergency Medical Dispatch Management