When you identify an alternate route due to closures, what should you do?

• A. Ignore and stay on original plan
• B. Notify hospital staff
• C. Record the detour for later
• D. Verify the alternate route with dispatch and update ETA

Answer: (D)

When you encounter a road closure, the immediate priority is to coordinate with dispatch about the new route and timing. Verifying the alternate route with dispatch ensures that the detour is approved, safe, and reachable, and that everyone has the latest information about where you’re going. Updating the estimated time of arrival communicates the new timeline to the hospital, so they can prepare appropriately and allocate resources, and it helps the crew stay aligned with the plan.

Why this works best: it keeps the entire handoff synchronized—the crew has a confirmed route, the dispatcher can monitor traffic and changes, and the hospital knows exactly when to expect you. That reduces delays and potential miscommunications.

Not taking this step risks sending an unverified detour to the hospital, which can lead to confusion about arrival time. Simply notifying hospital staff without confirming the route and ETA may leave everyone guessing, and recording the detour for later means you’re operating with outdated information in the moment.