Transport Operations and Ambulance Safety Flashcards

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering ambulance design, call phases, equipment, driving safety, and air medical operations as defined in Chapter 38 of Transport Operations.

Ambulance

A specialized vehicle used for treating and transporting patients who need emergency medical care.

Star of Life

A six-pointed emblem that identifies vehicles as ambulances and indicates they meet federal specifications for licensing or certification.

NFPA 1917

The Standard for Automotive Ambulances which sets the design guidelines for modern ambulance construction.

Type I Ambulance

A conventional, truck cab-chassis with a modular ambulance body that can be transferred to a newer chassis.

Type II Ambulance

A standard van ambulance with a forward-control integral cab body.

Type III Ambulance

A specialty van ambulance with a cab mounted on a cut-away van chassis.

First-responder vehicles

Specialized vehicles used to initially respond to a scene with personnel and equipment to treat patients before an ambulance arrives.

Preparation Phase

The first phase of an ambulance call involving the daily inspection of equipment and supplies to ensure vehicle readiness.

Jump Kit

A portable, durable, and waterproof kit containing essential supplies for the first $5\,\text{minutes}$ of patient care.

CPR Board

A device that provides a firm surface under a patient’s torso to assist in giving effective chest compressions.

Dispatch Phase

The second phase of a call where minimum information is gathered, including the nature of the call, location, and number of patients.

Fend-off Position

Parking an ambulance at a diagonal angle with the front wheels turned away from the scene to create a safety barrier for responders.

Cleaning

The process of removing dirt, dust, blood, or other visible contaminants from a surface or equipment.

Disinfection

The killing of pathogenic agents by directly applying a chemical made for that purpose to a surface or equipment.

High-level disinfection

The killing of pathogenic agents by using potent means of disinfection and thorough application processes.

Sterilization

A process, such as the use of heat, which removes all microbial contamination.

Decontaminate

To remove or neutralize radiation, chemical, or other hazardous materials from clothing, equipment, and personnel.

Cushion of Safety

Maintaining a safe distance between the ambulance and any vehicles around it to ensure reaction time and stopping distance.

4-second Rule

A safe driving guideline to stay at least $4\,\text{seconds}$ behind another vehicle traveling in the same lane.

Blind Spots

Areas around the ambulance that cannot be seen fully through the mirrors, such as the view obstructed by the rearview mirror or the area directly behind the vehicle.

Hydroplaning

A conditions occurring at speeds in excess of $30\,\text{mph}$ where tires are lifted off the road surface by water, causing a loss of directional control.

Siren Syndrome

A physiological and psychological response caused by an adrenaline rush while driving emergently that may interfere with an EMT's focus or judgment.

Due Regard

The legal standard requiring emergency vehicle operators to drive safely and prioritize the preservation of life and property while using traffic exemptions.

Medevac

Medical evacuation performed by helicopter for patients with time-dependent injuries or illnesses.

Fixed-wing aircraft

Air medical units typically used for long-distance interhospital transfers greater than $200$ to $250\,\text{miles}$.

Rotary-wing aircraft

Air medical units, or helicopters, capable of landing near a scene for rapid transport of patients to specialized centers.

Landing Zone ($\text{LZ}$)

A level, debris-free area ideally measuring $100 \times 100\,ft$ ($30 \times 30\,m$) required for safe helicopter operations.

Hot (Helicopter Status)

A term describing a helicopter that is on the ground while its rotor blades are still spinning.