All ambulances should be plugged in when at quarters. Crews shall place the cord in such a manner as to make it conspicuous when entering the vehicle. When not in use, cords shall be stored out of the way and off the ground to prevent contact with water or being run over.

In winter months, crews shall verify that the space heater in the patient compartment is operating upon plugging the vehicle to shore power. The goal of the space heater is to prevent freezing of fluids in the patient compartment. The thermostat should be set to keep the compartment warm, not hot.

In warm months, crews should verify that the auxiliary air conditioning unit is operating upon plugging the vehicle into shore power. The goal of the AC unit is to keep the interior cool, not cold.