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G.3.13 Allied Agency Operation of Paramedic Services Vehicles

 

Paramedic Services Effective Date: December 31, 2023
Topic: Operations Directives Replaces: April 30, 2022
Subject: Allied Agency Operation of Paramedic Services Vehicles Policy No. G.3.13.2023

 

PURPOSE

To establish guidelines with respect to other operation of Paramedic Services PRUs and ambulances by allied agency personnel.

APPLICATION

  • Paramedics

  • Paramedic Superintendents

  • Senior Managers

RISK STATEMENT

While operation of any Paramedic Services vehicle is limited to authorized personnel, in the event of an incident where the patient morbidity or mortality is immediately subject to a negative outcome, and there is a Police Officer, or Fire Fighter present, the benefit to the patient by engaging the allied agency to operate the Paramedic Services vehicle far outweighs a decision to remain on scene for a second transport ambulance.   

PROCEDURE

  1. Generally, engagement of allied agency personnel to operate any Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Paramedic Services vehicles is prohibited.
  2. In instances where additional medical assistance is required during transportation, the practice would involve engagement of a Fire Fighter or Police Officer with patient care, while a duly authorized Paramedic operates the vehicle.
  3. Only in extreme circumstances, where a second Paramedic is not available to operate the vehicle, and where the patient acuity is designated as a CTAS 1, may a Paramedic elect to have a Police Officer or Fire Fighter, who is in possession of the necessary MTO license drive an ambulance.
  4. Police Officer or Fire Fighter must be familiar with the operation and controls of the accessory equipment of an ambulance and must ensure travel to the destination facility is performed in the safest and most direct manner.
  5. Where a Fire Fighter or Police Officer operates a Monitoulin-Sudbury DSB Paramedic Service vehicle, CACC must notify the Paramedic Superintendent, and Incident Reports must be completed and submitted.
  6. At no time should any person aside from a Fire Fighter or Police Officer be allowed to operate a Paramedic Services vehicle while in deployment.
     
REFERENCE

Highway Traffic Act, O. Reg. 340/94, Queens Printer, Ontario