(A) Purpose. To establish procedures for dispatch.
(B) Policy.
(1) It is the responsibility of the ambulance staff to be in the responding unit within two minutes. This time frame will start after Harnett Central has completed dispatch information.
(2) Undue delay beyond the two-minute limit will require a written explanation from the driver and attendant.
(3) All radio traffic en route to the scene will be handled by the attendant.
(4) Upon arrival at the scene, all EMS units will advise Central they are 10-23. This will be done in the following manner: Central, EMS 36 - 10-23 at given location.
(5) First EMS unit on scene will advise Central additional responding units are not needed or 10-40 or 10-39.
(6) If additional backup is needed, advise Central in the following manner: Harnett Central - EMS (36) 10-40 or 10-39 traffic - advise Communications Center if medical or trauma code exists, advise type of backup needed:
(a) Additional EMS unit;
(b) Crash truck;
(c) Fire Department; and/or
(d) Police or H.P.
(7) After securing patient in unit, the driver will advise departure in the following manner: Central EMS 36 - 10-17 to Good Hope or Betsy Johnson 10-40 or 10-39 with number of patients on board. If using 10-39 traffic, advise Central of route unit will be taking.
(8) Upon arrival at the hospital, the unit will advise Central as: EMS 36 - 10-6 at receiving facility.
(9) Upon completion of assignment, the following communications will be transmitted:
(a) After marking 10-6 at receiving facility, unit will be ready to mark 10-8.
(b) When leaving hospital, unit will advise Central: EMS 36 - 10-8 - 10-19 to location - returning to.
(c) Unit will mark 10-8 for return of personnel unless extenuating circumstances exist (such as incubator on board). Personnel will be advised of this before transporting to receiving facility. Unit will always mark 10-8 from calls, 10-7 to return equipment.
(d) If unit does not transport, unit will advise Central only: Central, EMS 36 - EMS 36 10-22 - 10-8 - 10-19.
(10) Unit will advise Central of its location and/or destination as applicable:
(a) Trips for fuel, supplies, vehicle maintenance, or special assignments; and
(b) Upon completion of assignment.
(11) It will be the responsibility of the driver to document any problems in the above policy that prevent adequate communication of 10-39 and/or 10-40 communications.
(12) If an EMS unit calls Central and does not receive a reply, the unit should call again in the following manner: Central, EMS 36 - wait for acknowledgment - EMS 36, 10-17 to location 10-40 with 1.
(Res. passed 1-3-1989)