Ensuring that the vehicle is operationally ready is critical for the safety of the crew and patients/customers. At the beginning of each shift, the crew shall complete and document a vehicle check that includes that following:

Presence of cards:

Ensure the presence of the vehicles fuel card, gate card, and credit card.

Dash Camera Operation:

Ensure that the dash camera is operational by observing the color of the light on the dash camera unit. The ignition must be on. A functioning dash camera will display a BLUE light.

Backup Camera Operation:

Ensure the backup camera is operational by placing the vehicle in reverse and observing the quality of the video produced by the backup camera.

Radio check:

Perform a radio check with Comm Center by transmitting the following over the radio:

“Comm Center (Call Sign) in vehicle (Vehicle Number) Radio check”.

Example: “Comm Center Delta 2 in vehicle 102, Radio Check”

When Comm Center acknowledges you, you must then confirm that you can hear Comm Center.

You: “Comm Center, Medic 1 in ambulance 19, Radio Check.”

Comm: “Medic 1 you’re loud and clear.”

You: “Medic 1, you too”

If Comm Center does not reply, attempt the radio check one more time. If there is still no reply, call Comm Center to verify. If your radio is malfunctioning, see the FRG for reset instructions.

Running lights & Emergency light operation:

Activate headlights, hazard lights, and emergency lights. Walk around the vehicle and visualize all lights.

Siren:

Activate siren briefly. If one tone works, they will all work. There is no need to cycle through all tones.

Tire condition & pressure:

Visually inspect all tires for damage and fullness. An underinflated tire will bulge more at the ground. If tire pressure is of concern, all vehicles have a digital pressure gauge that may be used to confirm tire pressure.

If the tire is under-inflated by 10psi or less, do one of the following:

AMBULANCES:

• During business hours Monday through Saturday, take the vehicle to Discount Tire to have it filled.

• If outside of business hours, the Shift Officer can fill it.

Gas station air compressors do not go high enough to fill ambulance tires.

DELTA UNITS/SUVs:

• During business hours Monday through Saturday, take the vehicle to Discount Tire to have it filled.

• Fill the tire at any gas station.

If the tire is more than 10psi low, complete a Vehicle Problem Report and remove the vehicle from service.

Lug nut tightness indicators (if equipped):

Visually inspect lug tightness indicators to ensure they are aligned correctly. Misaligned indicators are a sign of loose lug nuts and should be addressed immediately.

Damage inspection:

Inspect the exterior of the vehicle for damage, noting any new damage.

AMBULANCE UNITS:

Sharps Container:

Check the sharps container for fullness. If full, or near full, replace it with a new container and place the full container in an appropriate receptacle.

Pram Function:

Perform an operational check of the pram and PowerLoad to assure that all functions are operating properly. Check the following:

• The pram unloads freely.

• The pram rises and lowers freely.

• There are no unusual noises or movements.

Inspect the mattress. If the exterior of the mattress is ripped, cracked, or otherwise compromised, it must be replaced or patched.

House Suction: Turn on the suction unit and occlude the hose to check for operation. The wall pressure gauge should respond by displaying increased pressure. The house suction must always be set up for immediate use. This means that a canister, tubing, and Yankour tip shall be connected and ready for use. The Yankour tip must remain covered when not in use. It is not acceptable to simply place the packaged supplies near the unit.

Portable Suction: The suction unit shall be disconnected from the charger, turned on, and the suction hose occluded to check for operation. The pressure gauge on the unit should respond by displaying increased pressure. The portable suction must always be set up for immediate use. This means that a canister, tubing, and Yankour tip shall be connected and ready for use. The Yankour tip must remain covered when not in use. It is not acceptable to simply place the packaged supplies near the unit. Make sure the unit is plugged in and charging after use.

AED: The AED shall be checked for battery life by looking at the indicator next to the power button. The indicator should show a green checkmark. If the status indicator is blank, remove the AED from service and notify Fleet Maintenance. The AED shall be opened to check that the pads are present and within expiration date.

Glucometer: Glucometer is present as well as an adequate supply of lancets, test strips, alcohol wipes and Band-Aids. Ensure the unit turns on and that the “low battery” icon is not displayed.

Tympanic Thermometer: Thermometer is present and operational as well as an adequate supply of probe covers. Ensure the unit turns on and check battery status. Replace batteries as needed.

Finger Pulse Oximeter: Adult and pediatric finger pulse oximeters are present and functional. Ensure the unit turns on.

Oxygen & Medical Air: House and Pram O2 tank are above 500 psi. There is at least one (1) full spare portable O2 tank.

Crews shall also perform a cursory check of all patient care supplies to assure presence and an adequate stock level

If any of the above are found to be inoperable or out of operating range, the Shift Commander shall be notified immediately.