What action is required after a variance in protocol is discovered?

After discovering a variance in protocol, the required action is to notify the local EMS jurisdiction within 24 hours. This is crucial because reporting helps ensure accountability and maintains the standard of care by allowing the EMS system to evaluate the situation. Notifying the jurisdiction can lead to an investigation to determine the cause of the variance, which can inform future training and revisions to protocols to prevent similar issues from occurring. It promotes transparency and adherence to established standards within the EMS system.

Holding a meeting to discuss the variance, while it could be beneficial for internal communication, does not fulfill the requirement of timely reporting to the jurisdiction. Documenting the variance in a patient's chart is important for maintaining accurate medical records but does not address the broader need to notify the local authorities responsible for oversight. Avoiding mention of the variance to other staff is counterproductive and goes against the principles of open communication and continuous improvement in patient care and safety.