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EMS Setup - Default Measurement Scale

Purpose Statement

  1. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how to configure a default measurement scale (Celsius or Fahrenheit) for EMS reports within the EMS Setup section of the Incident Documentation module. This setting ensures consistency and reduces the need for manual selection during clinical documentation.

Background Information

  1. Fire and EMS agencies operate in various regions with different standards for recording temperatures. The Default Measurement Scale feature allows administrators to set a consistent unit of measure for temperature fields in the ePCR, such as during vitals collection or patient assessments.
  2. This configuration helps:
    1. Maintain consistent documentation across all providers
    2. Align temperature entries with regional or agency medical protocols
    3. Reduce errors caused by incorrect unit conversions

Required Permissions

To set the default measurement scale, users must have the following permissions:
  1. Access EMS Setup-Manage: Grants access to EMS configuration options
Typically, these are assigned to EMS administrators, clinical leads, or system configuration personnel.

Video


 

Step-by-Step Guide

 
Step 1. Access EMS Setup
  1. Navigate to the Incident Documentation module from the side navigation.
  2. Click on EMS Setup.
 
Begin by navigating to the Incident Documentation and select on EMS Setup.
Step 2. Open the General Section
  1. In the EMS Setup interface, select the General tab.
     
Select on the General section.
Step 3. Locate the Default Measurement Scale Subsection
  1. Scroll down the General section until you find Default Measurement Scale.
     
Scroll to the Default Measurement Scale subsection.
Step 4. Select the Preferred Measurement Scale
  1. Use the dropdown menu to choose between:
    1. Celsius
    2. Fahrenheit
ℹ️

Info:

This selection determines how temperature values (e.g., during vitals collection) are auto-filled and displayed in EMS reports.

 

 

 
Step 5. Save Your Changes
  1. Click Save to apply and confirm the selected measurement scale.
     
Remember to select Save to update and confirm any changes.

Best Practices

  1. Select the measurement scale that aligns with your local EMS protocols or regional standards of care.
  2. Inform providers of the default setting to avoid confusion when documenting temperatures.
  3. Avoid frequent changes to this setting, as it may cause inconsistency in ongoing reports.
  4. If Celsius is selected for international deployments, ensure all field personnel are trained accordingly.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Will users still be able to enter temperatures in a different scale?
A: Yes. The selected default determines the displayed scale however a user is able to change scale within the report.
 
Q: What happens to previously entered values if the default is changed?
A: Previously documented temperatures will remain in the scale they were entered. Only new documentation will reflect the updated scale.
 
Q: Is the selected scale visible on printed or exported reports?
A: Yes. The unit (°C or °F) is displayed next to temperature values in reports.