AMBULANCE OPERATIONS

Lesson Objective: Describe basic rules and techniques

associated with the ambulance operations.

Overview:

Phases of an Ambulance Call Guidelines for safe ambulance operations Air Medical Operations Aeromedical Consideration

Phases of an Ambulance Call

Preparation for the call - – Availability and readiness of equipment and

supplies.

Equipment

EMT - B will have access to a large variety of equipment and supplies.

Medical

Basic supplies– Airways - oropharyngeal for adults, children,

and infant– Suction Equipment - both portable and “on

board”– Oxygen inhalation equipment - portable-300 L

capacity,• on-board 3,000 L of oxygen

Medical supplies

Artificial ventilation devices - pocket and BVM

CPR equipment - CPR board -so that you can give effective chest compression

Basic wound care supplies Splinting supplies Childbirth supplies

Medical supplies

Medications - activated charcoal, Tubes of oral glucose, oxygen, snakebite kit depends on local protocol.

Automated external defibrillator Jump Kit - light, durable, waterproof, a “5

minute kit”

Equipment

Non-medical

– Personal safety equipment

– Maps

Preparation for the call

Personnel – Available for response– Minimum one EMT-B in patient compartment

Daily inspection– Inspection of vehicle systems

Preparation for the call

Equipment

– Checked and maintained

– Restocked and repaired

– Batteries - operated equipment daily

Dispatch

Readily accessible- 24-hour availability, operated by EMS itself or shared with law enforcement, and fire dept..

a. Trained personnel - familiar with both the geography of service area an the capabilities of the agencies they are

dispatching.

Dispatch

Dispatched information– Nature of call– Name, location and callback number of caller– Location of patient– Number of patients and severity– Other special problems - Hazards or weather

conditions

Response Phase

Before you move the unit make sure you and your partner fasten seatbelts and shoulder harness.

Notify dispatch/medical control center (MCC) - Inform dispatch your unit is responding, confirm nature and location, ask any other available information about location.

Response Phase

Characteristics of good ambulance drivers– Physically fit - not taking medications. – Never drive or provide medical care after

drinking alcohol– Mentally fit - Emotion stability - ability to

operate under stress.– Attitude - Positive attitude ,have confidence ,

shows responsibility.

Response Phase

Safety- safe vehicle operations -– First rule in the safe driving of an emergency

vehicle is that speed does not save lives. Weather and road condition -

– Hydroplaning – Water on the Roadway – Decrease Visibility – Ice and slippery surface.

Vehicle operations

Use of lights and siren Safe following distance Parking considerations Laws and regulations Use of escort Intersections hazards

Arrival Phase

Report to dispatch Conduct a scene size-up Determine Mechanism of injury/nature of

illness Provide emergency medical care

Departure from scene

Package for transport Notify dispatch/receiving hospital Monitor patient/perform on-going

assessment Prepare written report

Delivery and Postrun Phase

Notify dispatch upon arrival- Priority is transfer of the patient and patient information to the hospital staff. Restocking unit is second

Air Medical Operations

Fixed wing - Interhospital transfer, for distances greater than 100 miles.

Rotary wing - Shorter distances, more efficient

Military - C-9, C-141, C- 130, H-60, H-53 Safety - Good common sense and constant

awareness

Aeromedical Consideration

FOD inspection - Inspect vehicle tires Flightline Hazards

– Propellers- stay away – Jet Engines - no more than 25 feet in front

• 200 feet behind while in operations

– Ejection seats and canopies – Approaching aircraft - stay in visual contact

with pilot or Aircrew directing approach

Aeromedical consideration

Flightline driving– Speed limit 15 MPH

Around /near aircraft 5 MPH– Crossing active -Never without clearance of

tower

Summary

Phases of an Ambulance call Response Phase Safe vehicle operations Law and regulations Arrival Phase Air Medical Operations Aeromedical Considerations

QUESTIONS???