4.1 Implementation of this practice will ensure that the EMS system has the authority commensurate with the responsibility to ensure adequate medical direction of all pre-hospital providers, as well as personnel and facilities that meet minimum criteria to implement medical direction of pre-hospital services.

1.1 This practice covers the qualifications, responsibilities, and authority of individuals and institutions providing medical direction of emergency medical services.

1.2 This practice addresses the qualifications, authority, and responsibility of a Medical Director (off-line) and the relationship of the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) provider to this individual.

1.3 This practice also addresses components of on-line medical direction (direct medical control) including the qualifications and responsibilities of on-line medical physicians and the relationship of the pre-hospital provider to on-line medical direction.

1.4 This practice addresses the relationship of the on-line medical physician to the off-line Medical Director.

1.5 The authority for control of medical services at the scene of a medical emergency is addressed in this practice.

1.6 The requirements for a Communication Resource are also addressed within this practice.

1.7 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.