What is an MPD?

When paramedics or EMT's arrive to assist you, perform advanced life saving procedures, or administer drugs, they are liscened professionals working under the authority and liscencesure of a State designated MPD. The MPD's role is to ensure that the EMT's and Paramedics caring for you are operating with in a pre-determined scope of practice and that they are following appropriate and well established nationally accepted protocols for standards of care and "best practices". These roles and responsibilites are defined in WAC 246.976.920 and RCW 18.71.205 as put into law by the Washington State Legislature.

These laws effectively extend to the MPD the capacity to allow life sustaining emergency medical treatment of patients in the pre-hospital setting by Paramedics and EMT's working under them. Doctor Zaveruha works closely with the Paramedics and EMT's from WGH and takes an active role in ongoing training, protocol development, and monthly " run reviews" so that all patients recieve the best possible care. The MPD also is available round the clock for real time medical consultaiton with paramedics and EMT's in the field to assure continuity, and coordination of care with Whidbey General Hospital emergency room physicians and nurses. The MPD will also coordinate patient care with regional physician specialists at major trauma centers, and authorize Airlft Northwest Emergency Helicopter evacuation from Whidbey Beneral Hospital or directly from the field if needed.