Which symbol on a map legend indicates a hospital, and how should you use it in routing?

• A. Green Leaf; route to the nearest hospital per EMS protocol.
• B. Blue H or red cross; route to the nearest appropriate hospital per patient needs and EMS protocol.
• C. Yellow Shield; avoid hospitals unless directed by dispatch.
• D. Purple Cross; always go to hospital away from patient.

Answer: (B)

Hospital locations on a map are shown with a blue H or red cross symbol, and that symbol guides where you can send a patient. In routing, you use that symbol to find nearby hospitals and then choose the facility that can best meet the patient's needs according to EMS protocols. This means going to the closest hospital that has the required capabilities (for example, trauma, stroke, STEMI, pediatric care) and following bypass rules or patient care guidelines. If the nearest facility can’t meet the needs or is full, you select the next appropriate hospital, even if it means a longer drive. The key is balancing speed with getting the right level of care, using the legend symbol to locate facilities and protocols to determine the best destination.