For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT (ALS). Ambulance service that includes the necessary equipment and staff to render advanced life support services (e.g. advanced airway procedures, defibrillation and medication administration).
AMBULANCE. Any privately- or publicly-owned motor vehicle intended to be used for, and is maintained or operated for, transportation on the streets or highways of persons who are sick, injured, wounded or otherwise incapacitated or helpless.
AMBULANCE PROVIDER. An individual, firm, corporation or association who engages or professes to engage in the business or service of transporting patients in an ambulance.
APPROVED. Approved by the North Carolina State Medical Care Commission pursuant to the latter's rules and regulations promulgated under G.S. §§ 131E-155 et seq.
BASIC LIFE SUPPORT. An ambulance service that includes the necessary equipment and staff to render basic services (e.g. control bleeding, delivery of babies and splinting fractures).
COMMISSION. The State Medical Care Commission.
CONVALESCENT. The transportation of sick or infirmed patients having a known, non-emergency medical condition, on a scheduled basis between facilities or between a residence and a facility.
COUNTY. The County of Vance.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTOR. An individual employed by Vance County to provide oversight and supervision for Emergency Medical Services within Vance County.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (AEMT, PARAMEDIC). An individual who has completed a training program in emergency medical care at least equal to the National Standard Training; Program of Emergency Medical Technicians as defined by the United States Department of Transportation and has been credentialed as an Emergency Medical Technician. Advanced Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic by the State of North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.
FRANCHISE. A permit issued by the county to any person for the operation of an ambulance service.
FRANCHISEE. Any person having been issued a franchise by the county for the operation of a commercial ambulance service.
LICENSE. Any driver's license or permit to operate a motor vehicle issued under or granted by the laws of the State of North Carolina.
MEDICAL RESPONDER. An individual who has completed a training program in emergency medical care and first aid approved by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and has been certified as a medical responder by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services.
NON-EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. The operation of an ambulance for any purpose other than transporting emergency patients.
OPERATOR. A person in actual physical control of an ambulance which is in motion or has the engine running.
OWNER. Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or group of individuals acting together for a common purpose or organizations of any kind, including any governmental agency other than the United States, who owns and operates an ambulance service.
PATIENT. An individual who is sick, injured, wounded or otherwise incapacitated or helpless such as that the need for some medical assistance might be anticipated while being transported to or from a medical facility.
(Ord. 35, passed 3-14-2005; Am. Ord. passed 12-7-2020)