Which term denotes direct orders from physicians to care providers?

• A. Field Triage
• B. Off-Line Medical Control
• C. On-Line Medical Control
• D. Medical Control Guidelines

Answer: (C)

Direct orders from physicians to care providers are given through on-line medical control. This real-time medical direction allows a physician to assess a patient and authorize specific actions—such as medications, procedures, or transport decisions—while EMS is actively caring for the patient, typically via radio or phone contact. Off-line medical control refers to standing orders and preapproved protocols that EMS can follow without live physician input. Field triage is about sorting patients by severity for transport decisions, not directing care in real time. Medical control guidelines are the formal rules that shape practice but do not provide direct, moment-to-moment orders.