EMD Quality Assurance and Improvement 2

Question 1

Which organization provides accreditation to EMD centers based on compliance with quality assurance standards?

Accepted Answer

National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED)

Answer

NAED accredits EMD centers that demonstrate consistent compliance with MPDS protocols and QA review requirements.

Question 2

In EMD quality assurance, a 'sentinel event' is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

An unexpected serious adverse outcome requiring immediate case review

Answer

Sentinel events are unexpected adverse outcomes — such as patient death or serious harm — that trigger mandatory, structured review.

Question 3

Which time interval metric measures the duration from when a call is answered to when EMS units are dispatched?

Accepted Answer

Call processing time

Answer

Call processing time tracks dispatcher efficiency and any delays between call answer and unit notification.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a critical call review in an EMD QA program?

Accepted Answer

To identify systemic issues and improve future dispatcher performance

Answer

Critical call reviews are improvement tools — the goal is learning and systemic change, not punishment.

Question 5

In an EMD center, which role is primarily responsible for analyzing QA data trends and recommending protocol improvements?

Accepted Answer

Quality Improvement Coordinator

Answer

The Quality Improvement Coordinator aggregates case review data, identifies patterns, and drives protocol-level changes.

(EMD) Emergency Medical Dispatch Practice Test