In this chapter you will learn about the following: Describe the basic structure of the legal system in the United States, relate how laws affect the paramedic’s practice, list situations that a paramedic is legally required to report in most states, describe the four elements involved in a claim of negligence, describe measures paramedics may take to protect themselves from claims of negligence. | 9/11/2012 1 Chapter 53 Ground and Air Ambulance Operations 2 Learning Objectives • List standards that govern ambulance performance and specifications. • Discuss the tracking of equipment, supplies, and maintenance on an ambulance. • Outline the considerations for appropriate stationing of ambulances. 3 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 1 9/11/2012 Learning Objectives • Describe measures that can influence safe operation of an ambulance. • Identify aeromedical crew members and training. • Describe the appropriate use of aeromedical services in the prehospital setting. 4 Ambulance Standards • In 1968, National Academy of Sciences–National Research Council (NAS‐NRC) recommended ambulance design standards – Included the size, shape, color, electrical systems, and emergency equipment – Led to development of federal specifications that many states now use as ambulance standards – National standards developed by NAS‐NRC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are known as KKK A‐1822E standards (2002) 5 Ambulance Standards • Standards and their revisions provide basis for uniformity in design of ambulance vehicles – Cover three basic ambulance designs: type I, type II, and type III – Standards include additional duty type I‐AD and type III‐AD (ambulances mounted on large chasses) – Fire service vehicles also carry EMS equipment 6 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 2 9/11/2012 7 8 9 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 3 9/11/2012 Ambulance Standards • Federal standards of design and performance for ambulance vehicles are augmented by – Other federal standards – State statutes – Administrative rules – City, county, and district ordinances • These influence ambulance design, equipment, staffing 10 Ambulance Standards • Additional requirements – Air ambulance standards – .
