Who is the only person to discontinue resuscitation started in the field?

• A. Telemetry physician
• B. EMS supervisor
• C. Hospital administrator
• D. Medical director

Answer: (A)

Discontinuing resuscitation started in the field is done under direct medical control, specifically by the telemetry physician. This clinician provides on-line guidance to EMS providers and has the authority to terminate efforts in real time when the situation meets established criteria or when continued resuscitation would be inappropriate. The other roles—supervisors, hospital administrators, or the medical director—do not have the immediate authority to stop field-resuscitation efforts; they may guide or set policies, but the live stop-order comes from the on-line physician overseeing the case.