What event triggers the requirement to report a variance to the EMS agency?

The requirement to report a variance to the EMS agency is triggered by any incidents or variances. This is because a variance refers to any deviation from standard operating procedures or expected outcomes that could potentially impact patient care or safety. Whether the variance is a near miss, an error in procedure, or an unusual incident, it is essential to document and report these occurrences to identify patterns, provide appropriate training, and implement changes if necessary. Such reporting helps maintain accountability and improves the quality of emergency medical services.

While compliments received are important for morale, they do not constitute a variance that would require reporting. Threats to patient safety are indeed critical issues but are typically addressed through immediate action rather than the reporting of a variances process. New training protocols, while essential for continuous education and improvement, do not trigger a variance requirement by themselves unless they result in an incident that deviates from expected practices. Therefore, the broad inclusivity of reporting any incidents or variances ensures a comprehensive approach to quality improvement and patient safety in the EMS environment.