Which term describes directly issued orders via real-time communication?

• A. Quality Assurance
• B. On-Line Medical Control
• C. System Design
• D. Field Triage

Answer: (B)

Direct orders given in real time by a physician to EMS personnel during patient care are described as online medical control. This term captures the live guidance that a clinician in the field receives via radio or phone to authorize specific treatments, medications, or dosages on the spot, when standing protocols don’t cover the situation.

Quality Assurance focuses on evaluating and improving care after the fact, not directing it in real time. System Design is about how the EMS system is built and operates. Field Triage is the process of prioritizing patients by severity for treatment and transport, especially in mass-casualty events.

So, the term for directly issued orders via real-time communication is online medical control.