M.A.B.A.S. Division 20 Operational Guidelines, Procedures and Policies - 3

SUBJECT: AMBULANCE STAND-BY RESPONSE

DATE IMPLEMENTED: JUNE 15, 1997 REVISED:

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to define the responsibilities for the

stand-by ambulance crew, which responds to all fires at the box alarm level.

INTRODUCTION

Occupational safety must be a primary concern for the fire service. The inherent dangers associated with structural fire fighting lead to frequent injuries and occasionally death. The risk fire fighters are forced to assume should not occur without the availability of emergency medical care.

BACKGROUND

Each year, fire fighters are injured and killed in the line of duty. Most of the injuries occur during fire suppression activities at the scene of structure fires. However, because unforeseen changes may occur on the fire scene, many of these injuries are not preventable. In anticipation of this situation, it will be the policy of MABAS Division 20 to provide an advanced life support ambulance on the scene of all structure fires at the box alarm level.

PROCEDURE

Every fire department within Division 20 will identify one (1) advanced life support (paramedic) ambulance to respond to the scene of every structure fire at the box alarm level. That ambulance crew will be responsible for the emergency medical care and treatment of any injured fire fighter(s).

The ambulance crew will not participate in structural fire fighting.

If there is a need for another ambulance for a separate incident in the stricken community, another mutual aid ambulance shall be requested. However, as the need for the stand-by ambulance diminishes, the Incident Commander may dispatch that ambulance to the medical emergency, if necessary.

If the stand-by ambulance initiates emergency medical treatment of an injured fire fighter, the Incident Commander must request a replacement ambulance from NORCOMM. One ALS ambulance must always be available on the scene for the care and treatment of fire fighters.