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Arizona EMS protocols,
Arizona EMS protocols,
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Offline, county-specific protocols for Arizona EMS providers — searchable, with a full medication reference, hospital finder, and study tools built in.
Covering 15 counties in Arizona · Protocols current as of June 5, 2026
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What's covered in Arizona
The protocol set serving Arizona right now.
Arizona Statewide Guidance
Updated January 22, 2026 ↗
PDF document
712
Flashcards
360
Quiz questions
46
Medications
15
Resources
Study tools for Arizona Statewide Guidance
A few real flashcards and quiz questions from Arizona's own protocols — the full set, plus a spaced-review deck, is in the app.
Flashcards
Why is the needle advanced over (superior to) the lower rib during NDC?
The needle is advanced over the superior border of the lower landmarked rib to avoid the neurovascular bundle (nerves, arteries, and veins) that runs along the inferior border of each rib. This technique minimizes the risk of lacerating vessels or nerves.
Adult TBSA: Anterior and posterior leg percentages
In adults, the anterior leg (each) represents 9% TBSA and the posterior leg (each) represents 9% TBSA, for a total of 18% per leg. This is higher than the child value of 6.75% per leg surface.
Genitalia/Perineum TBSA – across all age groups
The genitalia and perineum consistently represent 1% of total body surface area across all age groups — infant (<10 kg), child, and adult. This value does not change with age.
Anterior and Posterior Torso TBSA – Infant vs. Child/Adult
In infants (<10 kg), each of the anterior and posterior torso represents 16% TBSA. In both children and adults, the anterior and posterior torso each represent 18% TBSA. The torso percentages are the most consistent values across age groups.
Anatomical Landmarks for NDC: AAL Site Identifiers (A, B, C)
Per protocol diagram: Point A = 2nd intercostal space at the MCL (alternate site). Point B = 4-5th intercostal space at the mid-axillary line (MAL). Point C = 4-5th intercostal space at the AAL (preferred site), located halfway between the MAL and MCL.
Bradycardia protocol inclusion criteria
This protocol applies to patients with a heart rate less than 60 AND either symptoms (altered mental status, chest pain, congestive heart failure, seizure, syncope, shock, pallor, or diaphoresis) OR evidence of hemodynamic instability.
CPR in TAH patients — is it indicated?
CPR must NEVER be performed on TAH patients. Because the patient no longer has a native heart, standard chest compressions are contraindicated and could damage the device.
Adult Tachycardia with a Pulse: Definition & Exclusions
Defined as HR > 100 in adults, with or without symptoms such as palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain, syncope, hemodynamic compromise, altered mental status, or other signs of end organ malperfusion. Sinus tachycardia is excluded, and rate-related symptoms are uncommon when HR is less than 150.
Quiz questions
According to the protocol, what is the MOST important factor when determining whether a tachycardic patient requires cardioversion?
- The patient's heart rate exceeding 150 bpm
- ✓ Hemodynamic instability
- Altered level of consciousness alone
- Patient complaint of palpitations
A paramedic is treating a stable adult patient with SVT. Vagal maneuvers have failed. The paramedic administers 6 mg of Adenosine IV/IO, but the tachycardia continues. What is the correct next step according to the protocol?
- Administer a second dose of 6 mg Adenosine IV/IO followed by a 10 mL fluid bolus.
- ✓ Administer 12 mg Adenosine IV followed by a 10 mL fluid bolus.
- Immediately perform synchronized cardioversion.
- Administer 0.25 mg/kg Diltiazem IV/IO without further Adenosine.
You are an EMT on scene with a 58-year-old male complaining of chest pain and diaphoresis. His SpO2 is 97% and he is not in obvious respiratory distress. Which of the following actions is the HIGHEST priority after initiating Universal Care?
- Administer aspirin 325 mg PO or chewed
- Administer oxygen to maintain SpO2 ≥ 94%
- ✓ Immediately address any signs of cardiac arrest, symptomatic tachycardia, or symptomatic bradycardia
- Acquire and transmit a 12-lead ECG within 5 minutes of patient contact
You respond to a VAD patient who appears pale, diaphoretic, and has an altered mental status. The VAD appears to be functioning. As an AEMT, what is the correct fluid bolus order?
- 20 mL/kg IV/IO over 20 minutes, maximum 500 mL
- ✓ 30 mL/kg IV/IO over less than 15 minutes, maximum 1 L, using push-pull method or pressure bag
- 1 L IV/IO wide open, then reassess
- 500 mL IV/IO over 30 minutes, may repeat once
You are called to treat an unresponsive adult patient with a Total Artificial Heart (TAH). Bystanders urge you to begin CPR immediately. According to protocol, what is the correct action?
- Begin CPR immediately, as you would for any unresponsive patient.
- ✓ Never perform CPR for TAH patients.
- Perform CPR only if the pneumatic thumping sound is absent.
- Perform CPR at half the normal compression rate to protect the device.
You are an EMT transporting a post-ROSC adult patient who is not breathing spontaneously. ETCO2 is unavailable. At what ventilation rate should you maintain the patient?
- 8 breaths per minute
- ✓ 10 breaths per minute
- 12 breaths per minute
- 20 breaths per minute
Sourced from Arizona's EMS authority
Pocket Protocols brings Arizona's EMS protocols into a faster, fully offline app.
Arizona protocols — FAQ
Are Arizona's EMS protocols available offline?
Yes. Download Arizona's protocol set once and every protocol, medication, and hospital is available with no signal — built for basements, rural calls, and dead zones.
Are the protocols specific to my county in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona's protocols are scoped by county and region, so every provider sees exactly the set that governs where they respond. You can add more than one if you run in multiple areas.
Is Pocket Protocols official, or affiliated with Arizona?
No — Pocket Protocols is an independent app and isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any EMS authority. We bring Arizona's protocols into a faster, fully offline app and link the authority's own source for every set.
How do Arizona protocol updates reach the app?
When the EMS authority publishes a new version and it goes live in Pocket Protocols, the app refreshes automatically — crews are never working from a stale copy. We monitor official sources for changes every day.
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