How many acceptable reasons for diversion of a status 1 or 2 patient are listed?

• A. 4
• B. 5
• C. 7
• D. 6

Answer: (D)

Diversion decisions are guided by a fixed list of acceptable reasons, chosen to keep patient care consistent and EMS flow efficient. The question tests your recall of how many reasons are officially listed, and the policy specifies six. Knowing there are six helps you apply the rule quickly in the field rather than improvising. The six reasons cover a mix of hospital capacity and capability issues, patient-specific considerations, and system-flow needs, ensuring patients are taken to an facility that can provide the required care without unnecessarily delaying treatment. For your own study, check your local protocol to see the exact wording and categories, but remember the count is six.