47.1 Transport Ops & Vehicle Readiness

What is the focus of EMS transport operations?

Safe vehicle operation, patient transport, equipment readiness, and infection control

Why are vehicle inspections important?

They help ensure vehicle, crew, patient, and public safety

What should EMS check before responding?

Vehicle readiness and required equipment

What are the four S’s of vehicle readiness?

Start, steer, stop, and stay running

What warning signs may indicate vehicle problems?

Belt noise, brake fade, brake pull, drift, steering pull, or pulsating brake pedal

What should be done if brake fade occurs?

Take the vehicle out of service

What may brake pull indicate?

Brake contamination or mechanical failure

What may a pulsating brake pedal indicate?

Warped rotors, warped drums, or wheel damage

What may vehicle drift indicate?

Mechanical or alignment problem

What may steering play indicate?

Need for immediate inspection

What may wheel bounce indicate?

Bad shock, tire bubble, or unbalanced wheel

What may wheel wobble indicate?

Wheel or suspension damage

What should be done with used supplies after a call?

Clean, replace, or restock them

Why should medication expiration dates be checked?

To ensure medications are safe and effective

What should be done before moving an ambulance?

Secure all equipment

Why must equipment be secured?

To prevent projectiles during driving or crashes

How should patients be secured during transport?

Shoulder straps and at least three body straps

Who should wear seatbelts in an ambulance?

All passengers unless patient care requires otherwise

How should children be transported?

In an approved, properly secured restraint system

What should be done after each transport?

Remove used linens, discard waste, disinfect, restock, and inspect

What is cleaning?

Removing visible dirt and contaminants

What is disinfection?

Killing most pathogenic organisms on surfaces

What is high-level disinfection?

Kills all microorganisms except large numbers of bacterial spores

What is sterilization?

Complete elimination of all microbial life

Why is decontamination important?

Prevents spread of infectious disease

What infectious diseases are EMS concerns?

HIV, hepatitis, and drug-resistant infections

What should be used for spills in the ambulance?

EPA-registered germicidal solution or bleach solution

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfection?

Cleaning removes debris; disinfection kills pathogens

What dilution may be used for stretcher cleaning?

1:100 bleach-to-water solution

What should EMS consider with culturally diverse patients?

Some illnesses may be uncommon locally but present in other populations