What action should be taken if contact with the base is not possible and the paramedic must act according to Santa Clara county prehospital care policy?

In situations where a paramedic cannot establish contact with the base and needs to make decisions based on the Santa Clara County prehospital care policy, the appropriate action is to complete a variance report and submit it. This procedure allows for documenting the circumstances that necessitated a deviation from standard protocol due to the inability to communicate with the base.

The variance report serves as an official record that can later be reviewed for quality assurance and accountability. It provides a way to explain the decision-making process and the rationale behind actions taken in the absence of immediate guidance. This ensures that the paramedic's actions can be adequately evaluated in the context of the unforeseen situation, helping to maintain transparency and uphold the integrity of patient care.

This option is particularly important in prehospital environments where decisions can have significant implications for patient outcomes. It emphasizes the need for documentation and adherence to established policies, even when circumstances require a quick deviation from standard procedures.