G.8.3 Personal Floatation Device

PURPOSE

To provide guidance to the Paramedics in the event of a response in or adjacent to a water way. This direction should not be considered in isolation to procedures pertaining to remote patient access.
 

APPLICATION

• Paramedics
• Paramedic Superintendents
• Senior Managers
   

PROCEDURE

Paramedics are to adhere to all policies related to off road response (Snowmobile, Boat, ATV’s) when utilizing PFD’s

1. Rescue is not the mandate of Paramedic Services.

2. Patient extrication shall be performed in such a way as to maximize the safety of paramedics, patient and the public.

3. Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s);

• must be used as per the manufacture’s recommendations and in compliance with Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Paramedic Services education
• shall be donned for all operations near, in or over water
• must be stowed as to allow rapid access
• are designed to be worn on the on top of the uniform
• must be inspected for damage, and must have a functional CO2 cylinder in place prior to any use
• must be partially inflated during use where ambient temperatures are below -4 degrees Celsius (40 degrees F)

4. Following any PDF use,

• Where the PDF is not inflated, it shall be returned to the storage location in the vehicle.
• Where the PDF has been inflated (for any reason), the Paramedic Superintendent must be notified, and the PDF will be replaced. The used PDF will be inspected prior to being returned to service.
   

REFERENCE

Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board, Patient Access Off Road Response (Snowmobile, Boat, ATV's)