Ready-Reserve Transport Units – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and roles defined in General Order 05-29 for Ready-Reserve Transport Units.

Ambulance

A BLS EMS transport unit fully stocked according to General Order 05-06, EMS Equipment Standardization.

Paramedic Ambulance / Medic

An ALS EMS transport unit fully stocked in compliance with General Order 05-06, EMS Equipment Standardization.

Emergency Medical Services Duty Officer (EMSDO)

An EMS shift supervisor responsible for operational oversight and, after hours, the Ready-Reserve check-out/in process.

EMS800

The on-duty EMS shift commander who handles Ready-Reserve scheduling requests and calendar entries.

Apparatus Maintenance Division (AMD)

The facility that stores, maintains, and oversees two fully stocked Ready-Reserve Transport Units and their equipment.

Reserve Transport Unit

A transport vehicle used when a station’s front-line ambulance is out of service; kept at AMD and normally unequipped.

Ready-Reserve Transport Unit

An EMS transport resource equipped with essential supplies and available for rapid deployment to meet county EMS needs.

Surge

The act of adding an EMS transport resource to the system during periods of peak demand.

Surge Unit

A Ready-Reserve Transport Unit placed in service specifically to handle peak demand or pre-planned service increases.

Unit Supervisor

The firefighter/EMS member (usually an officer or primary care provider) placed in charge of a BLS or ALS Ready-Reserve Transport Unit.

Duty Chief

The chief officer who approves Ready-Reserve deployment, determines response areas, and sets situational requirements.

Master Calendar

The Fire/EMS Department scheduling tool that tracks the availability and assignment of Ready-Reserve Transport Units.

Preplanned Use

Ready-Reserve deployment scheduled at least 72 hours in advance through EMS800, with notifications to AMD and EMSDO.

Limited-Notice Scheduling

Deployment of a Ready-Reserve Unit requested less than 72 hours in advance; requires Duty Chief approval.

Check-Out Process

Procedure by which a unit supervisor obtains a Ready-Reserve Unit from AMD or Southern EMSDO, verifies equipment, and signs Attachment A.

Check-In Process

Procedure for returning a Ready-Reserve Unit, inspecting cleanliness and equipment, completing Attachment A, and replacing any missing supplies.

Attachment A – Check Out/In Form

Document used to record the transfer, verification, and return of radios, Toughbook, AED, suction unit, and other gray-listed items.

Attachment B – Unit Check Sheet

Comprehensive inventory list outlining all equipment that must be present on a BLS Ready-Reserve (Surge) Unit.

Southern EMSDO

Regional EMS Duty Officer who assists with Ready-Reserve check-out/in when AMD is closed and receives scheduling notifications.

Ready-Reserve Responsibility

The shared obligation of AMD (primary), Southern EMSDO, and Logistics to keep Ready-Reserve Units in a constant state of readiness.