Katy Galer (left), program coordinator at the Emergency Health Services Federation, talks to Randy Templin, EMT, about the state inspection of ambulances operated by Northwest EMS. They are looking at the new van ambulance that is more cost-efficient to operate with Basic Life Support patients than the big box ambulances.
They passed Emergency Health Services Federation inspection on February 25 so the 10 ambulances operated by Northwest EMS are licensed to operate for another three years.
The crew members and supervisors spent hours making sure each truck was stocked with required equipment and supplies and was cleaned inside and out. The state determines what each ambulance carries down to the number of gauze dressings, IV bags, splints and bedpans (1).
Two employees from the Emergency Health Services Federation office in New Cumberland conducted the inspection, which took several hours.
In addition to four Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances and six Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, Northwest EMS operates two ALS Quick Response Squads that were included in the inspection. These QRS units cannot transport patients, but can deliver a paramedic and advanced lifesaving equipment to stabilize a patient while waiting for a transport ambulance.
The ambulance crews run through a two-page checklist at the beginning of each 12-hour shift to make sure the supplies are on board and all equipment is working.
Northwest EMS has ambulances stationed in Elizabethtown, Manheim and Maytown.
FEB
2015