For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AMBULANCE. Any publicly or privately owned vehicle that is specially designed, constructed or modified and equipped, and is intended to be used for and is maintained or operated for the transportation upon the streets and highways in the state of persons who are sick, injured, wounded or otherwise incapacitated. (See also G.S. § 131E-155(1))
AMBULANCE SERVICE. A publicly or privately owned enterprise that is engaged in the transportation of patients to emergency and/or nonemergency medical facilities.
BOARD. The Wake County Board of Commissioners.
CONTRACT EMS AGENCY. A municipal agency or a private, nonprofit organization which contracts with the county to provide emergency medical services as part of the county EMS system.
CONVALESCENT AMBULANCE SERVICE. Ambulance services provided to individuals who are medically stable and need transportation but are unable to utilize regular ambulatory style transportation. Such services normally include the transportation of medically stable patients who are unable to sit up to and from their home.
COUNTY. Wake County, North Carolina.
DEPARTMENT. Wake County Department of Emergency Medical Services.
DIRECTOR. Wake County Department of Emergency Medical Services Director or his/her designee.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES or EMS. Services rendered by emergency medical services personnel as defined in G.S. § 131E-155(7) in responding to address an individual’s need for immediate emergency medical care in order to prevent loss of life or further aggravation of illness or injury. (See also G.S. § 143-507(d))
FIRST RESPONDER. The first dispatched medical or rescue aid to arrive at the scene and provide emergency medical assistance to stabilize the patient while waiting for further medical aid and/or transport.
FRANCHISE. A permit issued by the county under the authority of G.S. § 153-250 for the operation of an ambulance service.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR. The physician responsible for the medical aspects of the management of the Wake County EMS System. (See also 10A NCAC 13P .0102 (40))
NON-EMERGENCY AMBULANCE SERVICE. Ambulance services other than those provided by the Wake County EMS System or a licensed specialty care transport program. Such services normally include transportation of medically stable patients to health care facilities, medical offices and facilities and long-term care facilities.
OEMS. The Office of Emergency Medical Service of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation.
OEMS RULES. North Carolina Administrative Code rules codified at 10A NCAC 13P, Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Rules.
PEER REVIEW COMMITTEE. The committee established under 10A NCAC 13P .0408 for the Wake County EMS System.
PREMIS SYSTEM. The Pre-Hospital Management Information System established by OEMS.
SPECIAL EVENT. An event conducted by a public or private agency involving participation of persons in such numbers or in such circumstances where the presence of additional emergency medical or ambulance services resources are requested by the event sponsor or deemed necessary by the Department.
SPECIALTY CARE TRANSPORT PROGRAM. A program designed and operated for the provision of specialized medical care and transportation of critically ill or injured patients between health care facilities or between such facilities and residences or residential facilities. (See also 10A NCAC 13P .0102 (56))
SYSTEM. The Wake County Emergency Medical System.
(Ord. passed 8-3-2015)