Purpose:

To define policies and procedures enabling compliance with Virginia Code

12 VAC 5-31-1250.

Definition:

Section 3 of VA Code 12 VAC 5-31-1250 states:

An Attendant must be certified as an emergency medical technician or an equivalent approved by the Office of EMS in addition to the attendant-in-charge. The attendant must not serve as the attendant-in-charge. An operator may serve as the attendant if certified as an emergency medical technician or an equivalent approved by the Office of EMS.

Policy:

When an Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport is anticipated or is deemed necessary, personnel shall utilize one or more of the following.

§ When a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or higher level trained volunteer is on duty, that volunteer shall be utilized as the driver (two person crew) or the attendant (three person crew with volunteer driver).

§ When a certified EMT or higher level volunteer is not on duty, request an “On Call” EMT to meet you at an appropriate location.

§ Mutual Aid: When dispatch information indicates that a call may result in an ALS transport, request any available EMT from the appropriate agency while enroute to the incident.

§ On Property Calls: Utilize a second career provider as the attendant if the Attendant-In-Charge deems it appropriate or the patient’s condition warrants the need for two ALS providers.

If the AIC is unable to secure assistance of an appropriately trained attendant, the AIC shall not withhold necessary ALS care. The AIC will document on the run report the attempts made to achieve compliance.