Chapter 46: Ready for Review

  • Federal Regulation DOT KKK 1822 sets the standards for ambulance design and manufacturing specifications.
  • Three body style types are identified:
  • Type I: Conventional, truck-cab chassis with a modular ambulance body that can be transferred to a new chassis as needed
  • Type II: Standard van, forward-control integral cab-body ambulance
  • Type III: Specialty van, forward-control integral cab-body ambulance
  • Check the ambulance, including medical equipment and supplies, at the beginning of every shift to ensure that all equipment is available and in good working order.
  • Preventive maintenance is just as important as operating skills. Looking for problems before the unit is in motion may prevent breakdowns while you are en route to calls.
  • After the call, be sure to clean, disinfect, and restock. Perform a routine inspection to ensure that the ambulance is ready to respond to the next call.
  • Learning how to properly operate your vehicle is just as important as learning how to care for patients when you arrive on the scene. The first rule of safe driving in an emergency vehicle is that speed does not save lives; good care does.
  • Drivers must be qualified to drive the ambulance, must be physically and emotionally fit, and must have the proper attitude. The driver must know and follow safe driving practices, including wearing a seat belt, using an appropriate speed, using sirens appropriately, and maintaining a cushion of safety.
  • All drivers and passengers should use appropriate safety restraints while a vehicle is in motion. Pediatric patients should be secured in devices designed for them.
  • Make sure that all equipment is secured before leaving the scene.
  • Lights and sirens should be used when you are responding to emergencies but used sparingly when transporting a patient to the hospital.
  • Avoid backing up the vehicle if possible. If it is necessary, use a spotter to assist in the procedure. Make sure everyone is clear on where the unit is to be placed and that hand signals used are agreed upon.
  • Use extreme caution when you are driving in heavy traffic areas or in rural areas where the roadways themselves may not be suitable for travel with a heavy ambulance. Watch out for other dangers such as animals running onto the roadway.
  • Slow down in inclement weather, being aware that the ambulance requires greater travel time and distance to stop properly.
  • Any specific exemption from traffic laws does not negate your responsibility to proceed with due regard to prevent ambulance crashes.
  • Escorts should not be used due to the danger of motorists not seeing both the ambulance and the escort.
  • Air ambulances are used to evacuate medical and trauma patients.
  • A medical evacuation is commonly known as a medevac and is generally performed exclusively by helicopters.
  • You must follow certain safety rules when you are working around landing zones and helicopters. Be sure that you are familiar with these rules before working any call involving air transport.