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 dont 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 ambulance Transferring the pt. to the ambulance Select the proper pt carrying device Package for transfer Move to the ambulance Transporting to the hospital Terminating the call Air 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