HomeMy WebLinkAbout208.004 - Utilizing Private Ambulance Company Gurneys
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES MANUAL
RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES
208.004 UTILIZING PRIVATE AMBULANCE COMPANY
GURNEYS
EFFECTIVE: JUNE 2011
Current Revision Date: 4/23/19 Next Revision Date: 4/23/24
Author’s Name/Rank: Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Christina L. Johnson,
Senior Administrative Clerk
Section 208.004
Page 1 of 2
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to institute guidelines for the Fresno Fire Department
(FFD or Department) use of private ambulance company gurneys.
APPLICATION
This procedure is to be implemented when assistance is needed to move a patient
while using an ambulance gurney.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
It is the policy of the Department to respond to medical-aid calls and provide EMS
services to the level prescribed by the City Manager. In order to provide excellent
customer service, crews must be well versed in many areas of pre-hospital medical
care. Department crew members often encounter the need to assist the private
ambulance agency with the task of loading and moving a patient on a gurney.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
Company officers should strive to minimize the risk of injury to both emergency
responders and the public. In an effort to accomplish this, company officers should
recognize the excessive number of injuries occurring to responders while moving a
patient onto or on a gurney. Often, Department crews will be asked to assist the
private ambulance agency personnel with loading and/or moving patients on a
gurney. While this is primarily an ambulance crew task, it is a Department goal to
provide the best patient care possible. Good communication between the two
agencies is critical.
Section 208.004
Page 2 of 2
When Department members assist EMS personnel with lifting patients, an adequate
number of crew members should participate to reduce chances of injury to all
responders involved. If Department members choose to lift a gurney with a patient,
company officers should:
Place firefighters on both ends of the gurney, when possible.
Coordinate member placement with ambulance crews when possible.
Coordinate lifting the patient.
Ensure responder safety at all times.
PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
California Health and Safety Code
Section 1798 (c)