NM MEMS Framework

The New Mexico Modular Emergency Medical System (NM MEMS) Framework

Summary: The temporary ambulatory care areas set up within existing facilities or in temporary structures outside of existing facilities.

Description: The AOCAs may be located in, or adjacent to, the hospital(s), if there is a hospital, or may be set up in other locations such as a primary care clinic or other appropriate structure within the community. Local planners will determine the best location for the AOCA. The mission of the AOCA is to:

• Direct patients affected by the incident, especially those who are non-critical
patients, away from hospital emergency departments.


• Render basic medical screening and provision of medical care.
  
  
• Provide limited treatment and stabilization.
  
  
• Provide distribution of prophylaxis, medication, self-help information, psychosocial
  support and instruction.
  
  

Planning Assumptions:

a. Staffing of an AOCA will be structured to process the expected number of patients, with personnel assigned based on redefined roles to maximize resources.

b. Patients arrive at the AOCA primarily by their own means.

c. Patients requiring in-patient care are transported to either a hospital or an Alternate Inpatient Care Area (AICA).

d. It is expected that the majority of patients will be discharged home or back into the community.

e. Patients determined to be pre-terminal are accommodated, monitored and provided palliative care.

f. Deceased patients are pronounced dead and transferred to the AOCA’s temporary morgue.

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