ASTM_F_1517_-_14.pdf

Designation:F151714Standard Guide forScope of Performance of Emergency Medical ServicesAmbulance Operators1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1517;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This guide covers minimum standards for the perfor-mance of emergency medical services(EMS)ambulanceoperators,including:operator qualifications,pre-run operation,and post-run aspects.1.2 This guide shall promote the safe and efficient deliveryof the ambulance,equipment,crew,passengers and patients,during all phases of the delivery of EMS involving theambulance;at all times exercising the highest degree of carefor the safety of the public.This guide may be applied to otherEMS vehicles that do not necessarily provide patient transport.1.3 This guide shall be used as the basis for training guidesof the emergency medical services ambulance operator.1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2F1177 Terminology Relating to Emergency Medical Ser-vicesF1258 Practice for Emergency Medical Dispatch3.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 The definitions given in Terminology F1177 are ap-plicable to this guide.3.1.2 ambulance,nSee Terminology F1177.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 ambulance operations,nthe efficient delivery of theambulance,equipment,crew,passengers and patients,duringall phases of the delivery of EMS involving the ambulance atall times exercising the highest degree of care for the safety ofthe public.3.2.2 ambulance service provider,nas outlined in thisguide,a person,company,corporation or political entityresponsible for operation,maintenance,or policy making,orcombination thereof,regarding emergency medical vehicleoperations.3.2.3 bona fide occupational qualification(BFOQ),ntheskills and knowledge relevant to the performance of a specifictask.3.2.4 departure check,nthe visual check of the vehicleand surrounding area ensuring that equipment and supplieshave been retrieved and properly stored and that all compart-ment doors are secured.3.2.5 emergency mode,nas defined by individual statestatutes that refer to emergency vehicles,equipment,andoperations.3.2.6 full check,na comprehensive and systematic evalu-ation of the ambulance at specified intervals,including docu-mentation of the inspection,any deficiencies found and cor-rective actions.3.2.7 operator,na person who operates or assists with theoperation of an ambulance.3.2.8 post-run,nthe managed return of the ambulance andoperators to optimal pre-run readiness.3.2.9 pre-run,nall aspects of assuring response readiness.3.2.10 quick check,nan abbreviated version of the fullcheck,focusing on the major operational functions of thevehicle.4.Significance and Use4.1 This guide provides minimum guidelines for safe andefficient ambulance operation.1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F30 on EmergencyMedical Services and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F30.02 onPersonnel,Training and Education.Current edition approved June 1,2014.Published July 2014.Originally approvedin 1994.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1517 94(2007).DOI:10.1520/F1517-14.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 4.2 All ambulance operations and operators should followthis guide for the development of educational and trainingprograms.4.3 This guide is intended to promote safe and efficientambulance operations and to reduce morbidity,mortality,andproperty loss associated with ambulance operations.4.4 This guide is intended to assist those who are respon-sible for the development and implementation of policies andprocedures for ambulance operations.5.Medical Fitness to Drive5.1 Because of the complex relationship of certain medicaland mental impairments,a medical screening program shall beestablished by all EMS entities bestowing the privilege ofambulance driving.5.2 The authorization of ambulance drivers shall always bebased on bona fide occupational qualifications(BFOQ)pursu-ant to the task