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I saw this on another fourm, and decide to pose the question here.
In my area, it is common to have "non-transport" units respond to calls, in addition to transport ambulances. These units include both "QRS" vehicles, recognized by the state, with a minimum of 1 state-certified EMT onboard, with all equipment needed to treat and package a patient prior to EMS arrivial. Also included are state-certified ALS responder units, with a minimum of 1 EMT-P, with all equipment needed to provide ALS care onscene and during transport when combined with a BLS ambulance.
Also included are various "non-certified" response vehicles.... Ambulance and Fire officers responding in personal or squad vehicles, usually with O2 and most BLS equipment, and fire apparatus responding to assist the ambulance as well.
All of these vehicles serve a purpose, and have a place in a modern EMS system. However, many times, (with the exception of a firetruck) these vehicles respond with only 1 provider. These vehicles are used often BECAUSE they can arrive at a scene faster than the ambulance can.
In your opinion, does this present a safety risk??? I'm thinking about scene safety.... in this case, you don't have a partner to back you up.
How do you handle this in your area???
Jon
In my area, it is common to have "non-transport" units respond to calls, in addition to transport ambulances. These units include both "QRS" vehicles, recognized by the state, with a minimum of 1 state-certified EMT onboard, with all equipment needed to treat and package a patient prior to EMS arrivial. Also included are state-certified ALS responder units, with a minimum of 1 EMT-P, with all equipment needed to provide ALS care onscene and during transport when combined with a BLS ambulance.
Also included are various "non-certified" response vehicles.... Ambulance and Fire officers responding in personal or squad vehicles, usually with O2 and most BLS equipment, and fire apparatus responding to assist the ambulance as well.
All of these vehicles serve a purpose, and have a place in a modern EMS system. However, many times, (with the exception of a firetruck) these vehicles respond with only 1 provider. These vehicles are used often BECAUSE they can arrive at a scene faster than the ambulance can.
In your opinion, does this present a safety risk??? I'm thinking about scene safety.... in this case, you don't have a partner to back you up.
How do you handle this in your area???
Jon