What is the guiding principle for deciding which Protocol Directive Instructions (PDIs) are read to a caller?

The guiding principle for deciding which Protocol Directive Instructions (PDIs) are read to a caller is based on the concept of "possible and relevant." This principle emphasizes the importance of providing only the instructions that are pertinent to the specific situation at hand, ensuring that the information conveyed is practical and can lead to effective care or assistance.

By focusing on what is "possible and relevant," the dispatcher tailors the instructions to the unique circumstances of each emergency, rather than overwhelming the caller with extraneous information. This approach enhances communication efficiency, helps maintain the caller’s attention, and improves the chances of a successful outcome for those in distress. It allows for a focused response that directly addresses the caller's needs.

While completeness and thoroughness are important in ensuring comprehensive patient care, they may not always be necessary in every situation. Urgency and time sensitivity are also critical factors in emergencies, but they serve more as a backdrop in determining how to prioritize which PDIs to convey. Caller preferences, although respectful, should not take precedence over directing care that is critical to the caller's immediate circumstances. Thus, the chosen principle aligns best with the primary objective of effective dispatch in emergency response.