May 1, 2026 · Prehospital emergency care · DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2026.2666857

Utilization and Metrics Associated with Paramedic Treat and Discharge Medical Directives for Paramedic Services and Emergency Departments: A Retrospective Cohort Study

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The authors aimed to evaluate the utilization of prehospital treat and discharge directives by paramedics in Ontario, Canada, and to analyze the associated operational metrics and emergency department (ED) utilization among eligible patients. The study found that while paramedic discharge was infrequently used, it resulted in significantly shorter call durations and reduced subsequent ED visits, suggesting potential benefits for healthcare system efficiency. Further research is needed to assess the safety and broader impact of these directives.

Ryan P Strum, Shawn Mondoux, Tim Dodd, Andrew Costa, Brent McLeod, Katie Turcotte, Paul Miller

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