Functional Needs

Table of Contents

Aliases

Developmental delay, disabled, handicapped, impaired, mental Illness, mental retardation, special needs

Patient Care Goals

To meet and maintain the additional support required for patients with functional needs during the delivery of prehospital care

Patient Presentation

Inclusion Criteria

Patients who are identified by the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health that have experienced a decrement in health resulting in some degree of disability. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this includes, but is not limited to, individuals with physical, sensory, mental health, and cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities affecting their ability to function independently without assistance

Exclusion Criteria

None

Patient Management

Assessment

  1. Identify the functional need by means of information from the patient, the patient’s family, bystanders, medic alert bracelets or documents, or the patient’s adjunct assistance devices
  2. The physical examination should not be intentionally abbreviated, although the manner in which the exam is performed may need to be modified to accommodate the specific needs of the patient

 Treatment and Interventions

  1. Medical care should not intentionally be reduced or abbreviated during the triage, treatment, and transport of patients with functional needs, although the manner in which the care is provided may need to be modified to accommodate the specific needs of the patient.
  2. For patients enrolled in an approved, regional treatment plan for patients with special needs, please follow the instructions on the plan as orders from medical oversight and contact that hospital for additional, direct medical oversight.
    1. Example: SSM-Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital STARS program.
  3. Missouri State Law 503 allows Paramedics, acting in good faith and without gross negligence, to administer a patient’s personal medication when deemed necessary.
    1. Example: Hemophilia, Adrenal insufficiency, etc.

Notes – Function Needs