Purpose Statement

This feature enables EMS personnel to efficiently document multiple patients within a single incident by adding additional patient records to an existing ePCR. This functionality streamlines documentation for multi-casualty incidents, ensuring each patient receives proper documentation while maintaining connection to the same incident scene and response information.

Background Information

Multi-patient incidents are common in EMS operations, ranging from vehicle collisions to mass casualty events. The ability to add multiple patients to a single ePCR ensures accurate documentation while reducing redundant data entry. This feature automatically populates shared incident information (unit times, apparatus details, and scene data) across all patient records, allowing providers to focus on documenting individual patient care rather than re-entering incident details.

Required Permissions

Users must have the following permissions to add multiple patients to an ePCR:

• Create EMS Care Report
  
• My EMS Care Report
  
• EMS Care Report

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access the ePCR

Start a new ePCR from the dashboard or open an existing incident report that requires additional patient documentation.

Step 2: Locate the Patient Selection Dropdown

Navigate to the patient field at the top of the ePCR form. A dropdown list will appear displaying the current incident number and a space for the patient's name or identifier.

Step 3: Add Additional Patients

From the patient field dropdown menu, select the "Add Patient" option. This will create a new patient record linked to the same incident.

Step 4: Review Auto-Populated Information

Verify that unit times, apparatus information, and scene details have automatically populated in the new patient record. This shared information includes:

• Response times
• Unit/apparatus assignments
• Incident location and type
• Environmental conditions
• Responding crew members

Step 5: Navigate Between Patient Records

Use the patient dropdown to switch between different patient reports within the same incident. Each patient's documentation remains separate while maintaining the incident connection.

Step 6: Document Individual Patient Care

Complete patient-specific information for each record, including:

• Patient demographics
• Chief complaint
• Assessment findings
• Treatments provided
• Transport disposition

Best Practices

Do:

• Add all patients before beginning detailed documentation to establish the full patient count early
• Verify auto-populated incident information is correct before proceeding with patient care documentation
• Use consistent patient identifiers (triage tags, temporary IDs) when names are not immediately available
• Complete each patient's documentation fully before submitting the incident report
• Review all patient records before final submission to ensure completeness

Don't:

• Create separate incident reports for patients from the same scene
• Duplicate patient entries - verify the patient hasn't already been added
• Leave patient records incomplete or in draft status
• Mix patient information between records when switching between patients

Tips for Efficiency:

• In mass casualty incidents, add all known patients first, then assign documentation to different crew members
• Use the patient list view to track documentation progress across all patients

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Issue: "Add Patient" option not visible in dropdown

• Solution: Verify you have proper permissions for multi-patient documentation. Contact your system administrator if the option remains unavailable.

Issue: Auto-populated information is incorrect

• Solution: Correct the information in the primary incident report first, then refresh the patient records to update the shared data.

Issue: Cannot switch between patient records

• Solution: Save your current work before switching. If issues persist, check for required fields that may be preventing navigation.

FAQ: Will all patients appear on the same transport report?

• Each patient generates their own transport documentation while remaining linked to the incident for reporting purposes.