About Me
  Home Page | About Page  


Vehicle Operations Manual




Contents


1. Vehicles Used
2. Ambulance FA21
 Vehicle Specifications
 Layout
 Equipment
3. Operation of Vehicles
 Pre-start Vehicle Check
 Pre-start Equipment Check
 General Duty Driving
 Emergency Duty Driving & Warning Devices
 Breakdown Procedures
 Accident Procedures
4. Communications Equipment
5. General Maintenance
6. Driving Log
7. Vehicle Hire Agreements


1. Vehicles Used

First Aid Services currently utilises 2 vehicles for its business activities.
These are ;

Administration

1 x Ford Falcon EA II Sedan 1990 model

This vehicle is seconded for use as required and is otherwise for private use.

Administration & Medical Support

1 x Ford Falcon EA Ambulance (Station Wagon Conversion) 1989 model

This vehicle is mainly used for administrative purposes and from time to time is hired to other emergency medical support providers where supplementary vehicles are required.

2. Ambulance FA21

Vehicle Specifications

MAKE Ford
MODEL EA Falcon 1989 Station Wagon
REGISTRATION XAU-890 (NSW)
NORMAL GARRAGING First Aid Services
19 Beechworth St
WHITTON NSW 2705
DATE OF MODIFICATION 1989
VEHICLE MODIFIER Superior Industries – Brendale QLD
MODIFICATION BODY No.
CHASIS No.
ENGINE No.
ENGINE SIZE 3.9 Litre CPFI 6 Cylinder
FUEL TYPE ULP & LPG
FUEL TANK CAPACITY ULP = 30 Litres LPG = 65 Litres
ENGINE COOLANT 15 Litres (incl heater)
ENGINE OIL Valvoline SAE 20W – 50 SG
6 litres (incl filter)
TRANSMISSION Automatic 3 speed column shift
TRANSMISSION FLUID Dextron II
Dry Refill – 8.5 Litres
Service Refill – 3.5 Litres
POWER STEERING FLUID Dextron II
TYRE PRESURE Front – 30 psi Rear – 30 psi

Vehicle Layout

The general layout of the vehicle is set in two sections:

A) Drivers Cabin
B) Patient Care Cabin

The drivers cabin remains as standard for a 1989 EA Falcon Station Wagon, the body modified for ambulance use mainly from what would normally be the rear passenger area from B pillar to the tailgate.

From the rear passenger seat through to the tailgate the vehicle has been modified by ambulance manufacturers Superior Industries into a patient transport ambulance. There is a stretcher deck and storage compartments moulded into the fibreglass framework. An observers seat is located next to the stretcher head.

The following diagrams give general outline of the vehicle from three aspects as shown in the following diagrams.



Equipment

The following table outlines the general range of equipment stored in the vehicle and its location.


ITEM LOCATION
Manual & Log Book Drivers Cabin – Front Seat
12 v Power Outlet Drivers Cabin – beneath Siren Control Unit
Lighting Control Panel Drivers Cabin – beneath Radio Stereo/Cassette player
Siren Control Unit Drivers Cabin – beneath lighting control panel
Cardboard Splints Patient Care Cabin – between stretcher deck & front seat
Stretcher Patient Care Cabin – Stretcher Race
Oxy-Viva MkIII Patient Care Cabin – behind Observers Seat
First Aid Kit Patient Care Cabin – behind Observers Seat
First Aid Pack Patient Care Cabin – behind Observers Seat on shelf
Cervical Collars Patient Care Cabin – Top Left Compartment
BP Cuff & Stethoscope Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Front)
Burns Pack Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Front)
Silicone Resuscitator BVM Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Front)
Giving Sets (for irrigation) Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Rear)
Saline 500 ml (for irrigation) Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Rear)
Pain Relief Pack Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Rear)
Spare Blankets & Linen Patient Care Cabin – Top Front Compartment (above driver)
SAED N/A
Airways (LMA size 3,4,5 + gel) Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Rear)
Spare Oxygen Masks & Tubing Patient Care Cabin – Top Right Compartment (Front)
Spine-board Patient Care Cabin – adjacent to stretcher
KED N/A
Contaminated Waste Bags Patient Care Cabin – Lower Left Compartment (Rear)
Emesis Bags Patient Care Cabin – Lower Left Compartment (Rear)
Spare plastic bags for Ice Patient Care Cabin – Lower Left Compartment (Rear)
Fire Extinguisher Patient Care Cabin – Right Side Panel
Car Jack & Wheel Brace Patient Care Cabin – Rear Floor Compartment
Tools Patient Care Cabin – Rear Floor Compartment
Spare Tyre Patient Care Cabin – Front Floor Compartment
2 Litre Esky Patient Care Cabin – Right Side Corner
2 Litre Water Drinker Patient Care Cabin – Right Side Corner



3. Operation of Vehicles

Pre-start Vehicle Check

Walk around the vehicle and check for obvious external defects
Check tyre pressure
Check engine oil level
Check coolant level
Check power steering lubricant level
Check battery fluid level
Check transmission lubricant level
Check wiper washer level
Check all lights and warning devices
Check fuel level
Start vehicle

Pre-start Equipment Check

Check oxygen packs for cylinder contents and leaks
Check for adequate stocks of airways and masks in oxygen pack
Check first aid packs for contents and cleanliness
Check cervical collars for sizes, quantities and serviceability
Check stretcher for cleanliness and serviceability
Change water supply for fresh contents and check quantity of cups
Check quantity and cleanliness of spare linen
Check all fluids and medications for expiry dates and container quality

General Duty Driving

Drivers are to follow the following general recommendations when using FAS vehicles.

 Observe all road rules. Individual drivers are entirely responsible for the safety of other road users, passengers and themselves.
 Drivers are also personally responsible for the security and safety of the vehicle as well as any infringements incurred whilst the vehicle is under their care.
 Owing to the size and weight of the vehicle, allow enough space between the vehicle and any other road users in case of emergency braking


Emergency Duty Driving (EDD)& Warning Devices

Care must be taken when driving under emergency conditions. Other road users or people in-venue usually do not know what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches using “lights & sirens”.

Serious consideration must be taken over the implications choosing to undertake EDD when driving in FAS vehicles.

In almost all situations, drivers of FAS vehicles will not be required to conduct EDD on public roads. Warning devices may be used when “In-Venue” and generally only warning beacons would be used.

EDD is only permitted where :

There is likely to be significant delay in arrival of the local Emergency Medical Services and there is significant deterioration in the condition of the patient and only where authorised by
 A Doctor or
 An Ambulance Officer of the relevant EMS Agency or
 A Police Officer or
 The most senior Medical Attendant on scene.

ALWAYS ENSURE THE FOCUS IS ON PATIENT CARE !

Should transport be authorised, transport will proceed under normal road driving conditions. Warning Devices will be utilised and the direct safety of the crew, the public and the patient must be ensured.

DO NOT SPEED IF OPERATING UNDER LIGHTS AND SIRENS !

A standard disclaimer outlining this policy must be clearly displayed in all FAS vehicles at all times.

Breakdown Procedures

In the event of a breakdown, if the fault cannot be temporarily repaired then contact NRMA roadside assistance (or its interstate equivalent) and quote the vehicle registration number.

Where more than 100 km from the main office, and should repairs be likely to take longer than 24 hrs, transport or accommodation can be arranged through NRMA PLUS.
For NRMA Assistance call 13 11 11

Accident Procedures

 In the event of an accident, ensure the safety of the crew or passengers.
 Stabilise and secure the vehicle, make the accident scene safe.
 Render assistance and notify local emergency services if required.
 Report the accident to local police and FAS manager Jason Preston immediately, even if there were no injuries.
 Should towing be required arrangements will be made as soon as possible.
 Vehicles are insured through :
Ray Watson AMP Pty Ltd
Kurrajong Avenue
LEETON NSW 2705
Tel. 02 6953 2144


4. Communications Equipment

Currently the only communications equipment available when using FAS Vehicles are mobile phones and portable UHF radios


5. General Maintenance

Regular servicing and corrective repairs are to be carried out by approved motor vehicle repairers to manufacturer specifications.

Minor maintenance procedures including oil and coolant changes, can be carried out by FAS personnel in between each scheduled maintenance.

Records will be kept of all repairs or servicing made, as well as costs involved.


6. Driving Log

At all times an accurate driving log will be kept outlining the general activities and kilometres traveled by each vehicle, as well as general notes on any servicing. Copies of the log are kept with each vehicle manual.



7. Vehicle Hire Agreements

On occasion FAS hires ambulance FA 21 to other emergency medical care providers for use in medical support at events including motor sports. A copy of a standard agreement is included which outlines the terms and conditions for use of FAS vehicles under hire.

Of primary importance is the duty of care over any vehicles hired from FAS that is to be exercised by the hirer, its agents or contractors with respect to the safety and security and general care of the vehicle.