If you receive conflicting routing instructions from two sources, which should you follow?

• A. Pick one at random.
• B. Ignore both and create your own route.
• C. Follow dispatch authorization; escalate conflict if needed.
• D. Call the hospital for guidance.

Answer: (C)

When routing directions conflict, the correct approach is to follow dispatch authorization and escalate the issue if needed. Dispatch has real-time access to the latest routes, road conditions, and destination priorities, and they hold the authoritative guidance for navigation. If you notice a mismatch between two sources, acknowledge the conflict to dispatch and ask for clarification or request escalation to medical control or a supervisor. This keeps the response coordinated, minimizes delays, and protects patient safety. Ignoring both routes or improvising a new path could lead to delays or errors, and while hospital guidance can be useful for patient care decisions, navigation conflicts are resolved through dispatch and, if necessary, medical control.