Transport Operation

LESSON 14
TRANSPORT
OPERATION
OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Identify different types of ambulances

2. List the phases of an ambulance call
3. List factors that contribute to unsafe driving
4. Identify what is essential for the completion of a call
5. Distinguish among the terms cleaning, disinfection, high level disinfection and
sterilization.
6. Identify different equipment inside the ambulance.
7. Know the 5 ways of defensive driving.
8. Explain the rationale for appropriate reporting of patient information.
9. Explain the rationale for having the unit prepared to respond
10.Demonstrate proper endorsement and inventory of equipment.
11.Demonstrate proper disinfection of ambulance.
Emergency Medical Responder Course
Ambulance
An ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or

between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also
provide out of hospital medical care to the patient.
Transport Operations
Emphasis on rapid response places the EMT in great danger while driving to calls.
EMT’s should know:
  How to equip and maintain an ambulance
  Techniques for the safe operation of an ambulance
  How to work safely with air ambulances
Emergency Vehicle Design
Ambulance
 Vehicle used for treating and transporting patients who need emergency medical care
 Most ambulances follow federal specifications (KKK-A-1822F) in the United States.
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Phases of an Ambulance Call
1.  Preparation
2.  Dispatch
3.  En route
4.  Arrival at scene
5.  Patient transfer
6.  En route to receiving facility
7.  At the receiving facility
8.  En route to station
9.  Postrun
1. Preparation Phase
  Medical equipment and supplies check

  Personal safety equipment
  Equipment for work areas
  Pre-planning and navigation
  Extrication equipment
  Daily inspections
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Medical Equipment
  Airway and ventilation devices

  Suction unit
  Oxygen delivery
  CPR equipment
  Basic wound care
  Splinting supplies
Medical Equipment
  Childbirth supplies
  AED
  Patient transfer equipment
  Medications
  Jump kit
Personal Safety Equipment
  Face shields
  Gowns, shoe covers, caps
  Turnout gear
  Helmets with face shields
  or safety goggles
  Safety shoes or boots
Equipment for Work Areas

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  Warning devices that flash intermittently or have reflectors

  Two high-intensity halogen flashlights
  Fire extinguisher
  Hard hats or helmets with face shields
  Portable floodlights
Other Preparations
 Preplanning and navigation

 Carry detailed maps and directions.
 Be familiar with local area.
 Extrication equipment
 Equipment needed for simple, light extrication
Personnel
 Every ambulance must be staffed with at least one EMT in the patient compartment
during patient transport.
 Two EMTs are strongly recommended. Some services may operate with a non-EMT
driver.
Inspections and Safety Precautions
 Being fully prepared means inspecting the ambulance and equipment daily.
 Check medical equipment and supplies at least daily.
 Review standard traffic safety rules and regulations.
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 Make sure seat belts work and that oxygen tanks are secured.
2. Dispatch Phase
 The dispatcher should gather minimum information.

 Nature of the call
 Name, person, location, and call-back number
 Location of the patient(s)
 Number of patients and idea of the severity of their conditions
3. En Route to the Scene
 Fasten your seat belt.

 Confirm response and location.
 Prepare for arrival.
 Decide what equipment to take initially.
 Special problems or other pertinent information.
4. Arrival at the Scene
 Scene safety
 Safe parking
 Traffic control
Safe Parking and Traffic Control
 Park away from hazards and out of flow of traffic.

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 Do not block other responding EMS vehicles.
 Place appropriate warning devices on both sides of the accident.
5. Transfer Phase
 Provide lifesaving treatment.

 Package patient for transport.
 Be sure to secure the patient with at least three straps across the body.
6. Transport Phase
 Inform dispatch when you are ready to leave the scene.

 Report the number of patients and the name of receiving hospital.
 Conduct ongoing assessments.
 Contact medical control.
 Report number of patients
 Nature of problems
7. Delivery Phase
 Report arrival to dispatch.

 Give report to staff.
 Physically transfer the patient.
 Complete written report.
 Leave a copy with an appropriate staff member.
8. En Route to the Station
 Inform dispatch whether or not you are in service and where you are going.
 Clean and disinfect the ambulance and any equipment used.
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 Restock supplies.
o Cleaning
o Disinfection
o High – level disinfection
o Sterilization
9. Post-run Phase
 Complete and file any additional written reports.

 Inform dispatch of your status, location, and availability.
 Clean and restock the ambulance.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
 Defensive driving means assessing the risk when you drive and doing all you can
to reduce or control it.
5 Ways of Defensive Driving
1. Keep your car in top condition.

2. Anticipate the actions of others: search for clues
3. Take steps to protect yourself and others: seatbelts and headlights on
4. Drive only when in sound physical and mental condition.
5. Make a conscious effort to develop your skill
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SIPDE PROCESS
 SEARCH – gather as much information as possible about what is happening

on or near the roadway
 IDENTIFY – things that could interfere with your planned path of travel
 PREDICT – about what might happen and prepare for it
 DECIDE – weigh the possibilities
 EXECUTE – a kind of emergency action
TRAFFIC LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS
 “Keep your eyes moving and make sure others see you”
 Importance:
 o Provide rules for behavior of drivers
 o Help drivers predict what others on the road will do
 o Promote the orderly flow of traffic and help prevent collisions
SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS
“These are vital means of communication”
WARNING SIGNS – alert you in the condition or use of the road ahead.
REGULATORY SIGNS – regulates the flow or control the movement of traffic.
INFORMATION SIGNS – provide information about where you’re going, how far, etc…
SIGNALS SIGNS – keeps traffic moving in an orderly manner and to indicate right
of way.
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RULES OF THE ROAD
1. The right of way

2. Speed limit law
3. Don’t drink and drive
4. Always wear seatbelts
5. Always signal your intentions
6. Know and follow safe following and stopping distances
Driver Characteristics
 Physical fitness
o Effects of medication
o Fatigue
 Emotional fitness
o Maturity and stability
o Proper attitude
 Your actions will be scrutinized.
Safe Driving Practices
 Speed does not save lives; good care does.

 Seat belts must be worn.
 Learn how your vehicle accelerates, corners, sways, and stops.
Cushion of Safety
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 Keep safe following distance.

 Watch for tailgaters.
 Be aware of blind spots.
 Use a spotter when backing up.
Excessive Speed
 Speeding is unnecessary if patient is properly assessed and stabilized.

 Decreases reaction time
 Increases stopping time and distance
Vehicle Size and Cornering
 Vehicle length and width are critical factors in maneuvering.

 Vehicle size and weight greatly influence braking and stopping distances.
 Always be aware of your position on the roadway.
 Take corners at the speed that will put you in the proper road position as you
exit
the curve.
Weather and Road Conditions
 Be alert to changing conditions.

 Decrease speed and increase distance in poor conditions.
o Hydroplaning
o Water on roadway
o Decreased visibility
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o Ice and slippery surfaces
Laws and Regulations
 Vary from state to state

 EMS drivers have certain limited privileges.
 These privileges do not lessen drivers’ liability.
Warning Lights and Sirens
 Must be responding to an emergency

 Use both audible and visual devices.
 Operate with due regard.
Right-of-Way Privileges
 You must not endanger people or property under any circumstances.

 Know your local right-of-way privileges.
 Exercise them only when necessary for the patient’s well-being.
Escorts and Intersection Hazards
 Use of escorts
o A dangerous practice
o Follow escorts at a safe distance.
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 Intersection hazards
o Most common place for collisions
o Even on urgent calls, come to a momentary stop at the light.
Air Ambulances
 Fixed wing
o Inter-hospital transfers
 Rotary-wing
o Used for shorter distances
Medivac Operations
 Become familiar with local capabilities.
 Calling for a medivac
o Ground transport would take too long.
o Spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns, diving emergencies, venomous
bites
o Notify your dispatcher first.
Establishing a Landing Zone

 Area should be hard or grassy level surface that measures 100' x 100'
(recommended)
 Clear area of loose debris and survey for overhead or tall hazards.
 Mark landing site with weighted cones or headlights.
Safety Precautions
 Do nothing near the helicopter and only go to where the crew or pilot directs you.
 Keep a safe distance away from the aircraft.
 Stay away from the tail rotor.
 Never approach the helicopter from the rear.
Special Considerations
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 Nighttime landings
o Considerably more dangerous than daytime operations
 Landing on uneven ground
o Main rotor blade will be closer to the ground on uphill side.
 Hazardous materials incidents
o Land zone should be upwind and uphill.
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LESSON 14

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Identify different types of ambulances

An ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or

Emergency Vehicle Design

Phases of an Ambulance Call

  Medical equipment and supplies check

  Airway and ventilation devices

Personal Safety Equipment

Equipment for Work Areas

  Warning devices that flash intermittently or have reflectors

 Preplanning and navigation

Inspections and Safety Precautions

 The dispatcher should gather minimum information.

3. En Route to the Scene

 Fasten your seat belt.

4. Arrival at the Scene

Safe Parking and Traffic Control

 Park away from hazards and out of flow of traffic.

 Provide lifesaving treatment.

 Inform dispatch when you are ready to leave the scene.

 Report arrival to dispatch.

8. En Route to the Station

 Complete and file any additional written reports.

5 Ways of Defensive Driving

1. Keep your car in top condition.

 SEARCH – gather as much information as possible about what is happening

TRAFFIC LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS

SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS

“These are vital means of communication”

RULES OF THE ROAD

1. The right of way

Safe Driving Practices

 Speed does not save lives; good care does.

 Keep safe following distance.

 Speeding is unnecessary if patient is properly assessed and stabilized.

Vehicle Size and Cornering

 Vehicle length and width are critical factors in maneuvering.

Weather and Road Conditions

 Be alert to changing conditions.

Laws and Regulations

 Vary from state to state

Warning Lights and Sirens

 Must be responding to an emergency

 You must not endanger people or property under any circumstances.

Escorts and Intersection Hazards

Establishing a Landing Zone

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