Paramedic-Friendly Information: What Responders Really Need

What's Inside This Guide

🚑 The clinical handover frameworks paramedics actually use (IMIST-AMBO, ATMISTER, SAMPLE)

📋 The official PRSB Ambulance Handover Standard (effective January 2026)—what's mandatory, required, and optional

📊 NEWS2: The National Early Warning Score and why your observations matter

🔬 The 2024 research proving QR codes work in emergency settings

🏥 Real-world validation: Great Ormond Street Hospital's 10-year QR code collaboration

🧠 The "why" behind every data point—clinical reasoning paramedics need

📍 Optimal formats and locations for emergency information

🔗 How the Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card and Digital Advance Care Directive work together

❓ FAQs answered by clinical evidence and official standards

Introduction: The First 60 Seconds

When medical emergencies strike, paramedics and EMTs must make rapid assessments and critical decisions with limited information. According to the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians , the first 60 seconds of patient contact drive critical intervention decisions. Information that impacts immediate treatment protocol selection must be instantly visible.

But what information do they actually need? And in what format? This guide, built on clinical frameworks, official standards, and peer-reviewed research, answers those questions definitively.

The Victorian Department of Health emphasizes that a standardised ambulance handover process enhances patient safety by ensuring consistent transfer of critical information, leading to better patient outcomes, timely care, improved staff collaboration, and increased paramedic availability.

For those wanting to ensure their medical information is instantly accessible in emergencies, the Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card gives responders immediate access to critical health details—without requiring passwords or searching.

Section 1: The Clinical Frameworks Paramedics Actually Use

Paramedics don't just want "lists" of information. They use standardized handover frameworks trained into every responder. Understanding these frameworks helps you provide information in the format they're already using.

IMIST-AMBO: The Standard for ED Handovers

The IMIST-AMBO model is the standardised handover tool used across multiple Australian states, including Victoria and New South Wales, for communicating clinical handover of ambulance patients in the Emergency Department. This framework ensures consistent, complete information transfer.

The model includes:

ATMISTER: Trauma Pre-Alerts

For trauma cases, the ATMISTER communication tool is specifically recommended. The NHS England elearning for healthcare includes ATMISTER in their NEWS in Ambulance Services training, describing it as the tool for structuring trauma pre-alerts.

ATMISTER stands for:

• Age

• Time of incident

• Mechanism of injury

• Injuries sustained

• Signs (vital signs, GCS)

• Treatment given

• ETA to hospital

• Requirements (specialist teams, equipment)

SAMPLE: Medical History Taking

The SAMPLE mnemonic is the universal standard for taking a patient's medical history:

• Signs/Symptoms

• Allergies

• Medications

• Past medical history

• Last meal

• Events leading to the incident

NEWS2: National Early Warning Score

The National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) is the standard for physiological observations. The NHS elearning programme includes dedicated NEWS2 training for ambulance staff, helping them understand thresholds, triggers, and escalation to appropriate care.

NEWS2 aggregates six physiological parameters:

• Respiratory rate

• Oxygen saturation

• Systolic blood pressure

• Pulse rate

• Level of consciousness (AVPU)

• Temperature

For patients with atypical baselines, having this information pre-recorded helps paramedics interpret your normal values accurately.

For those wanting to document their complete medical history, organising important health information provides a structured approach that aligns with what paramedics need.

Section 2: The Official PRSB Ambulance Handover Standard (2026)

The Professional Record Standards Body (PRSB) has published the definitive Ambulance Handover to Emergency Care Standard, effective from January 2026 and now owned and managed by NHS England .

This standard defines the information that must be transferred from an ambulance to an emergency department when or just prior to the patient being transferred.

What's Mandatory vs. Required vs. Optional

The standard uses a clear conformance hierarchy:

MANDATORY Information

These items must be present in every handover:

The "statement of none known" is critical—it's not acceptable to simply omit allergies. The record must explicitly state that no allergies are known.

REQUIRED Information

These items must be included when available:

• Person demographics – Name, date of birth, contact information

• GP practice details

• Legal information – Lasting power of attorney, mental capacity, deprivation of liberty safeguards, mental health act status, consent for information sharing

• Safeguarding details

• Referrer details – Source of referral for the ambulance

• Individual requirements – Reasonable adjustments, impairments, mobility

• Health and care professional details – Name and details of professional responsible pre-transfer

• Participation in research – Details of participation in research studies

• Injury details – Including any drugs or alcohol involved

• Relevant past medical, surgical and mental health history

• Diagnoses – Confirmed diagnosis, suspected diagnosis, or chief complaint

• Clinical summary – Very brief summary of the encounter

• Treatments and interventions carried out

• Social context – Household, occupational history, lifestyle factors, dependents

• Investigation results

• Observations – Using NEWS2 where appropriate

• Assessments completed

• Risks – Risk to self, to others, from others, or of infection

• Medications and medical devices administered

• Information and advice given

• Person and carer concerns, expectations and wishes – Including advance statements

The standard was developed with clinical leadership from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the College of Paramedics , ensuring it reflects what clinicians actually need.

For more on how advance care directives fit into emergency care, documenting healthcare wishes provides guidance aligned with these official standards.

Section 3: The Research on QR Codes in Emergency Care

2024 Pediatric ED Study: QR Codes Work

A 2024 study published in the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine examined caregiver preferences and technology access in a pediatric emergency department. The findings are directly relevant to emergency information systems:

• 98% of caregivers desired either electronic or printed resources in addition to verbal instructions

• There was a similar likelihood of using printed (75%) versus electronic (79%) resources

• 80% of participants were able to successfully use a QR code

• Of the 20% who couldn't, reasons were mostly device-related (low battery, no device with them), not skill-related

The accompanying editorial in the same journal notes that with over 85% of Canadians aged 15-64 owning a smartphone, leveraging digital technologies for health information exchange is a missed opportunity if not utilized.

Great Ormond Street Hospital: 10-Year Validation

In July 2025, MiCode Medical announced a 10-year collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) , one of the world's most respected children's hospitals.

Key details:

• The collaboration will evaluate MiCode's QR code platform with GOSH patients and staff

• 1,000 QR codes will be provided to GOSH patients, free of charge until they reach 21 years of age

• The platform links secure, encrypted medical details to a unique QR code

• First responders and healthcare professionals can instantly retrieve essential information about conditions, allergies, and emergency contacts

Professor James Ohene-Djan, Founder of MiCode Medical, stated: "MiCode isn't just a QR code; it's a lifeline, empowering families and first responders to instantly access critical medical details."

This real-world validation from a leading paediatric hospital demonstrates that QR code systems are not theoretical—they are being actively deployed and evaluated in clinical settings.

Why QR Codes Work in Emergencies

The 2024 study identified three distinct advantages of QR codes for emergency information:

1. Ready access – Information available at any time, without passwords

2. Easy sharing – Caregivers can share information with others in their circle of care

3. Update capability – Electronic resources can be quickly updated, unlike printed handouts that are often lost or misplaced

The Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card implements all of these advantages, giving responders instant access to your critical information while allowing you to update it anytime.

For more on how Evaheld's technology works, secure storage and access features explain the encryption and privacy protections behind every QR card.

Section 4: The "Why" Behind Every Data Point

Understanding why each piece of information matters helps you appreciate why paramedics need it—and what happens when it's missing.

Allergies (MANDATORY)

Why it matters: Administration of a medication to which a patient is allergic can cause anaphylaxis, turning a manageable emergency into a life-threatening one. The PRSB standard requires either documented allergies or a statement of "none known" because the absence of information is clinically unacceptable.

Medications and Medical Devices (REQUIRED)

Why it matters: Paramedics need to know:

• Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) – Affect decisions about trauma care and bleeding risk

• Insulin – Critical for diabetic emergencies and glucose management

• Anti-seizure medications – Indicate epilepsy and guide treatment of seizures

• Immunosuppressants – Impact infection risk and treatment decisions

• Cardiac medications – Beta-blockers can mask heart rate responses to shock

Last Meal (SAMPLE)

Why it matters: For any patient who may need emergency surgery or sedation, knowing when they last ate is critical for airway management. Food in the stomach increases aspiration risk during anesthesia.

Implanted Devices

Why it matters: Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) affect:

• Defibrillator pad placement

• Interpretation of cardiac rhythms

• Decisions about magnet use

• MRI safety if transfer is needed

Baseline Vital Signs

Why it matters: Some patients have atypical baselines—athletes with low resting heart rates, patients with chronic low blood pressure. Without knowing your baseline, paramedics might treat a normal value as abnormal or miss a truly abnormal value.

Advance Directives (MANDATORY in spirit)

Why it matters: The IMIST-AMBO framework explicitly includes "Advanced Health Directive" in the "Other information" section. If you have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) or other advance directive, paramedics must know immediately to avoid unwanted interventions.

The Evaheld Legacy Vault seamlessly integrates your Digital Advance Care Directive with your QR Emergency Access Card , ensuring responders have both your medical history AND your treatment wishes.

For more on creating legally valid advance directives, advance care planning tools provide state-specific guidance.

Section 5: Optimal Formats and Locations

Physical Format Recommendations

Based on paramedic feedback and the Journal of Emergency Medical Services , effective physical formats follow these principles:

High-Contrast Typography

• Black text on white background

• Sans-serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica, Verdana) at minimum 12pt

• Clear hierarchical headings

• No decorative or script fonts

• Bold for critical information only

Organized Layout

• Group similar information in clearly defined sections

• Use bullet points rather than paragraphs

• Implement obvious visual hierarchy

• Include white space for readability

• Limit to one page when possible

Standardized Information Order

• Begin with name, date of birth, and critical conditions

• List allergies with specific reaction descriptions

• Include medications with dosages and frequency

• Add emergency contacts with relationships noted

• Conclude with less time-sensitive information

Digital Format Considerations

For smartphone-based medical IDs and emergency information:

• Ensure accessibility without unlocking the device

• Use standardized formats recognized by first responders

• Include ability to call emergency contacts directly

• Implement high-contrast design for visibility in various lighting

• Consider offline accessibility for areas with limited connectivity

Where to Store Emergency Information

The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that "information accessibility directly correlates with its usefulness during emergencies."

Highly Effective Locations:

• Medical ID jewelry (worn consistently)

• Smartphone lock screen medical ID features

• Refrigerator door using standardized forms (paramedics are trained to look here)

• Wallet card directly behind ID

• Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card in wallet or on keychain

• Vehicle visor or glove compartment for car emergencies

Less Effective Locations:

• Deep in wallets behind multiple cards

• In smartphone apps requiring passwords

• Home filing cabinets or drawers

• Password-protected digital documents

• Verbally telling others without documentation

The Evaheld Advantage

The Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card solves multiple accessibility challenges:

• Fits in wallet, attaches to keychain, or can be worn

• Requires no password—responders simply scan with any smartphone

• Links to comprehensive, up-to-date medical information

• Can be updated instantly without replacing the card

• Works offline—information is accessible even without internet

• Includes emergency contact details with one-touch calling

• Integrates with your Digital Advance Care Directive

This combines the reliability of physical storage with the flexibility of digital updates—the best of both worlds, validated by the 80% QR code success rate in peer-reviewed research.

For families wanting to ensure all members are protected, secure family sharing features allow you to manage emergency information for children, aging parents, and other loved ones.

Section 6: Special Considerations for Different Populations

Children

The Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine editorial emphasizes that only 19% of caregivers report their child is unlikely to want their own resources. For older children and adolescents who have the capacity to make decisions about their care, delivering information in a manner they understand—and ensuring they have access to written communications—is critical.

Pediatric information should include:

• Current weight (critical for medication dosing—changes rapidly)

• Immunization status

• Parental/guardian contact information (multiple contacts)

• School and pediatrician contacts

• Specific comfort measures that help reduce anxiety

Older Adults

Senior emergency information should prioritize:

• Fall risk status and any history of falls

• Cognitive baseline (dementia, Alzheimer's, normal cognitive function)

• Mobility limitations (walker, cane, wheelchair, bed-bound)

• Healthcare proxy details and advance care planning documents

• Medication sensitivity patterns

• Baseline functional status

Communication Challenges

For those with communication difficulties, the PRSB standard requires documentation of:

• Individual requirements including reasonable adjustments

• Impairments

• Primary communication method

• Interpreter needs

For families managing care for loved ones with communication challenges, organising important health information ensures critical details aren't lost in emergencies.

Section 7: Real-World Implementation

1. Use Standardized Systems

The Vial of Life, Yellow Dot Program and Evaheld, are recognized by emergency responders and follow established information hierarchies. The Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card takes this further by combining physical recognition with digital flexibility.

2. Update Information Regularly

The American Heart Association recommends quarterly reviews and immediate updates when:

• Medications change

• New diagnoses occur

• Surgeries or procedures are performed

• Emergency contacts change

• Advance directives are modified

With Evaheld's QR card, updates are instant—you change your information online, and responders always see the latest version when they scan.

3. Test Accessibility

Regularly verify that your emergency information is actually accessible:

• Ask someone unfamiliar with your system to locate your information

• Time how long it takes them to find critical details

• Ensure readability in low-light conditions (test at night)

• Verify that digital systems work when phones are locked

4. Integrate Multiple Systems

According to the CDC , the most effective approach combines multiple, redundant systems:

• Wear medical ID jewelry for immediate visibility

• Configure smartphone emergency medical ID features

• Carry a Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card in your wallet

• Maintain comprehensive home-based information (refrigerator)

• Keep vehicle information current and visible

This layered approach ensures information availability across different emergency scenarios—whether you're at home, away, or unable to communicate.

For more on creating a complete emergency preparedness system, documenting advance healthcare wishes provides additional guidance aligned with these recommendations.

Section 8: The Evaheld Ecosystem

Digital Advance Care Directive

The Evaheld Legacy Vault seamlessly integrates your emergency medical information with your advance care planning documents:

1. Create your Digital Advance Care Directive using Evaheld's guided, state-specific templates

2. Store all documents securely in your encrypted vault

3. Generate your QR Emergency Access Card that links to your critical information

What Paramedics See When They Scan

When responders scan your Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card , they instantly access:

• Life-threatening conditions (Tier 1)

• Allergies and adverse reactions (MANDATORY per PRSB)

• Critical medications (blood thinners, insulin, anti-seizure)

• Implanted devices (pacemakers, defibrillators, pumps)

• Advance directive status and healthcare proxy contact

• Emergency contacts with one-touch calling

This ensures responders have both your medical history AND your treatment wishes—the complete picture for informed, respectful care.

For more on how this works, Evaheld's guide to emergency QR access explains the technology behind instant responder access. The advance care planning tools help you create legally valid directives that integrate seamlessly with your QR card. And the secure family sharing features ensure your chosen contacts always have access to your critical information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do paramedics need most in an emergency?

Paramedics prioritize information according to the IMIST-AMBO framework: Identification, Mechanism of injury, Injuries, Signs, Treatment, Allergies, Medications, Background, and Other information. The PRSB standard makes allergies, incident details, and presenting complaints mandatory—they must be present in every handover.

What's the difference between IMIST-AMBO and ATMISTER?

IMIST-AMBO is the standard for general ED handovers endorsed by NSW Health . ATMISTER is specifically for trauma pre-alerts, recommended by NHS England . Both are trained into paramedics and used in clinical practice.

How does a QR Emergency Access Card work?

A QR Emergency Access Card contains a unique code that paramedics scan with any smartphone. It instantly displays your critical medical information, emergency contacts, and advance care directives—without requiring passwords or apps.

Is there evidence that QR codes work in healthcare?

Yes. A 2024 study in the Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine found 80% of participants could successfully use QR codes, and 98% wanted either electronic or printed discharge information. Great Ormond Street Hospital has launched a 10-year collaboration with MiCode Medical providing 1,000 QR codes to patients, validating this approach.

What's the official standard for ambulance handover?

The PRSB Ambulance Handover to Emergency Care Standard , effective January 2026 and now managed by NHS England , defines exactly what information must be transferred. Developed with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and College of Paramedics , it's the definitive authority.

What is NEWS2 and why does it matter?

NEWS2 is the National Early Warning Score, the standard for physiological observations. The NHS elearning programme provides training on NEWS2 for ambulance staff. Having your baseline values helps paramedics interpret whether your observations are normal for you.

Where should I store my emergency medical information?

Multiple locations are best: medical ID jewelry, smartphone lock screen, refrigerator door (standardized form), wallet card directly behind ID, and a Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card . The National Institute on Aging recommends redundancy—if one location fails, another should work.

How often should I update my emergency information?

The American Heart Association recommends quarterly reviews and immediate updates when medications change, new diagnoses occur, surgeries happen, or emergency contacts change. With Evaheld's QR card, updates are instant—responders always see the latest version.

Can children use QR codes for emergency information?

Yes. The Great Ormond Street Hospital collaboration is providing 1,000 QR codes to pediatric patients free until age 21. The Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine also emphasizes that older children and adolescents benefit from having their own access to health information.

What happens if my emergency information is outdated?

Outdated information can be dangerous—it may lead to inappropriate treatment decisions. The PRSB standard emphasizes that allergies must include a statement of "none known" rather than simply being omitted, because missing information is clinically unacceptable.

How do I ensure my advance care directive is respected in an emergency?

Your advance directive must be immediately visible. The IMIST-AMBO framework explicitly includes "Advanced Health Directive" in the "Other information" section. The Evaheld QR Emergency Access Card links directly to your Digital Advance Care Directive, ensuring responders know your wishes instantly.

What does the PRSB standard say about allergies?

Allergies are MANDATORY information. The PRSB standard requires "Details of any known allergies and adverse reactions, or statement of none known." It's not acceptable to simply omit allergies—the record must explicitly state that no allergies are known.

Create Your Emergency-Ready System Today

You don't need to create your complete emergency information system all at once. Start with the most critical information, then build out gradually.

For the most comprehensive protection, combine:

1. A Digital Advance Care Directive documenting your treatment wishes

2. Complete medical information following the IMIST-AMBO framework

3. A QR Emergency Access Card ensuring instant responder access

4. Physical backups (wallet card, refrigerator form) for redundancy

Start your free Evaheld account today —and ensure paramedics have exactly what they need, exactly when they need it most, because your treatment wishes deserve to be known and respected.