Ambulance Operations Lesson Goal Provide working knowledge of skills required for all phases of EMS response and roles and responsibilities for each phase Lesson Objectives Discuss medical and nonmedical equipment needed to respond to a call List phases of a prehospital call Describe general provisions of state laws relating to operation of ambulance and privileges 1
Lesson Objectives List factors that contribute to unsafe driving conditions Describe considerations that should be given to escort vehicles and intersections Introduction 9 phases of EMS response Preparation for call Dispatch En route to scene Arrival at scene Transfer of patient to ambulance En route to receiving facility Arrival at receiving facility En route to station Postrun phase Preparation for the Call Check supplies & equipment EMS Mechanical Check that vehicle is fueled & operating without problems Make sure that you are physically & mentally prepared to respond 2
Dispatch Dispatch critical link in getting right response to incident Dispatcher provides essential information to respond to call: Location NOI/MOI Additional information En Route to Scene Arrive at scene safely Wear seat belts Know state and local laws about emergency warning devices Operational ambulance privileges Speed Right of way Compensate for driving conditions Provide any additional communication with dispatch Notify of en route time, arrival at scene Preplanning for the call Begin scene size-up on approach Park vehicle for safety and departure Arrival at the Scene Size up scene before entering Note MOI/NOI Initial triage assess need for additional resources Begin patient care 3
Transferring Patient to Ambulance Give hand-off report to transporting crew if you are not transporting patient Protect patient from elements Make sure patient is secured to stretcher En Route to Receiving Facility Decide whether patient needs to be transported emergently or nonemergently Continue assessment and patient care Provide report to receiving facility if necessary Arrival at Receiving Facility Provide verbal report at receiving facility Transfer patient care Prepare and leave written report Prepare unit for another call 4
En Route to Station Review call with your partner Consider what is needed to put vehicle back in service Postrun Phase Refuel & restock vehicle as necessary Clean & disinfect vehicle Complete any other paperwork; if not done previously, notify dispatch of your availability Some patients require air medical transport EMT must be familiar with landing zone (LZ) operations 1 person designated as communications officer for air medical response 5
Communications with air medical service include: Unit or individual making call Call sign or radio frequency if appropriate Number of patients Whether more than 1 aircraft is needed Location of incident Prominent landmarks in area Landing zone characteristics Preferred size is 100 100, but at least 60 60 Free of debris and obstructions Flat ground Each corner marked with light source 6
Notify pilot when aircraft can be heard Communicate any additional information about landmarks and landing surface Safety is crucial when working near aircraft Attend safety education Wear goggles Keep safe distance from turning blades Do not approach aircraft until pilot signals you to do so Stay within pilot s line of vision Avoid tail section Allow flight crew to operate aircraft doors Stay low on approach to helicopter Summary 9 phases of an EMS call Air medical transport is increasingly common EMT plays a role in communications with air medical service, preparing landing zone, and interfacing with flight crew on ground 7