Transport = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp;

Policy:

All individuals served by the EMS system = will be evaluated, furnished transportation (if indicated) in the most timely and appropriate manner for each individual situation.

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to:

Provide rapid emergency transportation when needed.
Provide appropriate medical stabilization and treatment at the scene when necessary.
Protect patients, EMS personnel, and citizens from undue risk when possible.

Procedure:

1. All trauma patients with significant mechanisms or history for multiple system trauma will be transported as soon as possible. The scene time should be less than 10 minutes.

2. Medical patients will be transported in the most efficient manner possible considering the medical condition. Advanced life supp= ort therapy should be provided at the scene if it would positively impact patie= nt care. The scene time should b= e less than 20 minutes unless appropriate justification is documented.<= /span>

No patients will be transported in initial response non-transport vehicle= s.

All patient who are transported will be secured using the appropriate devi= ce as defined below:

Stretcher and its three side straps and two shoulder straps.<= /li>
Long Spine Board or Scoop Stretcher with a minimum of three side straps and the stretcher and its three side straps.
Long Spine Board or Scoop Stretcher with a minimum of three side straps and the bench seat and its three side straps.
Sitting on the bench seat or captain’s seat with the lap belt secured.<= o:p>
Pediatric Immobilizer along with the stretcher and its side straps.<= /span>
Pediatric Immobilizer along with the bench seat and its side straps.=
Pedimate device secured to the stretcher as per manufacturers instructions.
Child seat devise that is built into the captain’s seat of the Wheeled Coach ambulances.

In unusual circumstances, transport in other vehicles may be appropriate = and will be directed by EMS administration.

Equipment not being used in the care of a patient will be properly secured in the ambulance at all times.

5. Equipment being used in the care o= f a patient will be properly secured if at all possible. If this equipment cannot be secure= d it will be positioned in safest position possible during transport.=

Transport of the patient’s belongings should be noted on both the PCR and = the signature form.

Exceptions for transporting patient belongings

Medical emergencies where time is critical.

Large (bulky or heavy) items which would interfere with the safe transporta= tion of the patient, for example wheel chairs.

8. When the patient’s belongings are transported in the patient compartment of the ambulance, they must be properly secured. Any item that cannot be properly s= ecured it shall not be transported.