What should EMS personnel do if they cannot locate a patient?

When EMS personnel are unable to locate a patient, documenting the situation as a 'No Patient' is essential for maintaining an accurate record of the incident. This documentation serves several crucial purposes. It provides a clear account of the response efforts, indicating that EMS personnel followed protocol and actively searched for the patient without success. It also protects the personnel legally, ensuring that there is a formal record that there was an attempt to provide care.

This documented status is used in reporting and can be important for follow-up actions, such as if the patient is later found or if other services were triggered based on the initial call. This step is part of ensuring that all scenarios of patient care and interaction are thoroughly recorded.

In contrast, filing a missing persons report is typically reserved for cases where a person is definitely missing and cannot be located through normal protocols. Calling for additional support may be necessary under certain conditions, such as when safety is a concern; however, it would not resolve the immediate issue of an accurate record. Assuming the patient is no longer in danger is not appropriate without confirmation of their status, as it may overlook potential medical needs that require attention. Thus, documenting as 'No Patient' is the most appropriate and comprehensive action when a patient cannot be located.