A computerized review of the prehospital care rendered to EMS cardiac patients: validation and application

A computerized system of evaluating the prehospital EMS care being rendered to cardiac patients is reviewed. The primary component of the evaluation methodology presented is a computer language called PROTO. PROTO is used to evaluate the process of prehospital EMS care that was rendered to cardiac patients. Previously developed protocols of care are applied by means of PROTO to the case records of patients in three EMS districts in the southeastern part of the United States. Comparisons of PROTO's evaluations and those made by a review team consisting of two physicians and an RN are presented. Applications of PROTO's case evaluations are reviewed.