For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AMBULANCE. Any privately or publicly owned motor vehicle that is specifically designed, constructed, or modified and equipped, and is intended to be used for and is maintained or operated for the transportation of patients on the streets or highways of this state.
AMBULANCE PROVIDER. An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, company, group of individuals acting together for a common purpose, or organization of any kind which engages in or professes to provide the service of transporting patients in an ambulance.
BOARD. Shall mean the Davidson County Board of Commissioners.
COUNTY. Shall mean Davidson County, North Carolina.
DISPATCHER. A person who is available at all times to receive requests for emergency or non-emergency services, to dispatch appropriate resources to the requested need and to advise law enforcement agencies and emergency medical facilities of any existing or threatened emergency.
EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE. The operation of an ambulance, with the equipment and personnel to provide medical care transportation of a patient who is in need of immediate medical treatment in order to prevent loss of life or further aggravation of physiological or psychological illness or injury.
FRANCHISE. A permit issued by the county for the non-emergency operation of an ambulance.
FRANCHISEE. Any person having been issued a franchise by the county for non-emergency operation of an ambulance.
LICENSE. Any driver's license or other license or permit to operate a motor vehicle issued or granted by the laws of the state.
MEDICAL CREW MEMBER. An individual who meets the requirements set forth in the rules of the North Carolina Medical Care Commission setting forth the qualifications required for credentialing by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services, that allows them to practice as any of the following: emergency medical responder (EMR), emergency medical technician (EMT), advanced EMT (AEMT), and/or paramedic, as defined in G.S. § 131E-155 and any rules promulgated pursuant thereto.
NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. The operation of an ambulance for any purpose other than an "emergency transportation service."
OWNER. Any person or entity who owns an ambulance, rescue specialty or first response vehicle.
PATIENT. An individual who is sick, injured, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless such that the need for some medical assistance might be anticipated, as defined in G.S. § 131E-155.
PERSON. Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, company, group of individuals acting together for a common purpose, or organization of any kind, including any governmental agency of the United States.
SHALL. Always describes actions that are mandatory and not merely directive.
STATE. The State of North Carolina.
(Ord. passed 10-28-14; Ord. passed 2-27-18; Ord. passed 11-12-19; Ord. passed 2-27-23)