§ 270-090. OPERATION STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES

(a)

An additional unit, unless exempt, in order to be placed into service, must have a current statement of safe operating condition and must be inspected by the California Highway Patrol and the Local EMS Agency to determine if it complies with this Chapter.

(b)

Each unit must be maintained in a safe operating condition, including all engine parts, body parts, and all other operating parts and equipment used in and on the unit. (Note: In this connection County shall periodically, and at least annually, require each permittee to certify that she or he has had inspected every unit under his control and supervision and that, in the opinion of a professional/Master Mechanic, the unit is in safe operating condition. Successful completion of an annual California Highway Patrol Ambulance Inspection is acceptable. A written copy of this certificate shall be submitted to the County within ten days of the inspection.) In the case of an air ambulance, maintenance must be in accordance with Federal Aviation Rules parts 43, 91 and 135 as applicable.

(c)

Each ambulance shall be equipped with one primary mobile two-way radio and at least one portable back up communication device capable of establishing and maintaining communication with the base hospital on the MED NET 1-10 frequencies. Back up communication with a cellular telephone is acceptable. All communications equipment must meet manufacturers' specifications for power, output and antenna.

(d)

Units must have printed at a minimum on the front and rear thereof, or in the case of an aircraft, on a sign in the window of the aircraft, the unit number and name of the service. The reflective lettering for such identification shall be at least four inches in height.

(e)

Every unit operated in Sutter County shall be in a clean and sanitary condition subject to such sanitary standards as are prescribed by the County.

(f)

Relatives of a patient and other persons may ride in an ambulance or medical transport vehicle at the discretion of the attendant(s). Three point restraints for utilization by each passenger riding in an ambulance or medical transport vehicle must be available in ambulances or medical transport vehicles purchased after the effective date of this Chapter.

(g)

An ambulance service or entity granted an exclusive operating area by the County as part of the Local EMS Agency plan, may adopt dispatch protocols and procedures which must be approved by the Local EMS Agency.