During Case Entry, a caller says their loved one is experiencing heart palpitations; the patient is awake and breathing. What is the appropriate Protocol to go to after Case Entry?

• A. Protocol 19
• B. Protocol 12
• C. Protocol 10
• D. Protocol 5

Answer: (A)

When a caller reports heart palpitations and the patient is awake and breathing, you go to the protocol that handles cardiac symptoms in a stable patient. This path is designed to quickly filter for red flags while gathering focused cardiovascular history and vitals, rather than escalating to airway or breathing protocols or to a complete trauma/mandate that assumes instability.

The rationale is that a stable presentation allows a targeted assessment of rhythm-related issues: determine onset, duration, and frequency of palpitations; note whether there is associated chest pain, dizziness, or fainting; check for signs of poor perfusion; and collect relevant history and medications (previous heart disease, known arrhythmias, use of stimulants or antiarrhythmics). It also guides you to obtain vital signs as available (pulse rate and quality, blood pressure) and to inquire about recent ECGs, pacemaker status, and potential triggers. The caller should be advised on what to monitor and when to call back if symptoms worsen or if the patient develops new signs such as chest pain, fainting, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

This approach is best because it assesses for potential dangerous rhythm problems while confirming the patient’s stability, ensuring appropriate advice and escalation if red flags appear, and avoiding unnecessary steps tied to other, more acute or non-cardiac protocols.