AMBULANCE OPERATIONS

Three types of ambulances

• Type I

• Type II

• Type III

Categories of supplies and equipment:• Infection, comfort, protection supplies• Initial and focused assessment supplies• Equipment for transfer• Airway maintenance, ventilation,

resuscitation equipment• Oxygen therapy and suction equipment• Cardiac resuscitation equipment

• Supplies and equipment for immobilization and suspected bone injuries

• Supplies for wound care and treatment of shock

• Supplies for childbirth

• Supplies equipment and medication for tx. Of poisoning, chemical burns and diabetic emergencies

• Special equipment for paramedics and physicians

• Safety and miscellaneous equipment

Ambulance inspection

• Body

• Wheels and tires

• Windows and mirrors

• Doors, latches and locks

• Cooling system

• Fluids• Battery• Interior • Windows• Horn• Siren• Seat belts• Adjust seat and mirrors

• Fuel level• Dash mounted indicators• Gauges• Brake pedal / parking brake• Turn steering wheel side to side• Wipers and washer• Warning and vehicle lights• Heating and air; cab and pt. compartment

• Radios

• Truck check

• Infection control

Receiving and Responding to a call

Dispatchers

• Interrogate the caller and assign a priority

• Provide prearrival instructions to caller and inform crews

• Dispatch and coordinate EMS resources as well as other public safety agencies

• Exact location of pt.

• Call back number

• What is the problem

• Age & sex

• Conscious? Breathing?

If MVA

• How many and types of vehicles

• # of injuries

• Entrapment

• Exact location

• Traffic moving

• How many lanes are open

• How far is traffic backed up

• Fire

• Fuel leakage

• Downed wires

• Any vehicles on side or top {unstable}

• Hazardous materials

Operating and ambulance• Be fit; physically, emotionally, mentally• Be able to perform under stress• Have a positive attitude about your ability as a

driver but don’t be a risk taker• Be tolerant of other drivers• Never drive under the influence• Never drive with a restricted license• Always wear glasses or contacts to drive if they

are needed and required

• Evaluate you ability to drive based on personal stress, illness, fatigue or sleepiness

• Driving laws

• Drivers do not see or hear an ambulance until it is within 50 to 100 ft.

• Continuous use of a siren may induce fear and anxiety in your pt.

• You may increase speed from 10 to 15 mph while continually sounding the siren

• Never assume your siren will be heard

• Always assume your siren will be heard but ignored

• Be prepared for erratic maneuvers

• Do not pull up close to a driver then sound your siren

• Never sound your siren to scare someone

Factors that affect response

• Day of week and time of day

• Weather

• Construction

• Railroads

• Bridges and tunnels

• Schools and school buses

Positioning the ambulanceTransferring the pt. to the ambulance• Select the proper pt carrying device• Package for transfer• Move to the ambulanceTransporting to the hospitalTerminating the callAir Rescue

GAINING ACCESS AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

• Proper protective clothing and gear

• Right training and practice

• Right tools

• Cribbing

• Try before you pry

• Protecting the patient