What does a procedure marked with a black diamond indicate?

A procedure marked with a black diamond indicates that it requires a Medical Control Physician (MCP) order. This implies that the procedure is not to be performed autonomously by emergency medical personnel; rather, it necessitates formal authorization from a licensed medical professional before execution. This ensures that critical decisions are overseen by a physician, who can assess the specifics of the situation and provide guidance aligned with established medical protocols. Consequently, this practice not only protects patient safety by ensuring that actions taken are appropriate and justified but also reinforces the collaborative nature of emergency medical services, where the expertise of physicians is utilized in complex situations.