California Ambulance Drivers License

California Ambulance Drivers License Test

Compliance - compliance with applicability of requirements + defensive driving = safe patient transport

applicability of regulations - regulations adopted by California Highway Patrol apply to public/private ambulance used for EMS. Not for ambulances not used for EMS

Service License Requirement - CHP needs to license all EMS vehicles

Ambulance - ambulances used to respond to emergency calls + rescue vehicles specifically modified to transport injured persons

Emergency Service - functions involved in transporting patients with immediate/ acute medical attention

Code 3 Opeartion - Use of red warning lamps + sirens. Justified when essential to save a life, prevent undue suffering, reduce/ prevent disability.

Convictions - only criminal penalties/disabilities will release a person from EMS system to protect the public, not to punish the person

Ambulance Identification - All ambulance under one license must display the same name on the rear and both sides. This includes temporary vehicles

Service Availability - ambulance owners operating 2+ vehicles are required to privde 24 hr service under each license

Warning Equipment standards - required to be equipped with warning lamps/sirens that comply with CHP

Fire Extinguisher Servicing - Fire extinguishers inspected/serviced yearly OR immediately after use

Ambulance Inspections - Vehicles to be inspected initially/annually by CHP personnel + randomly. Need to verify that ambulance inspection is current with CHP current license period of validity.

Destination Restrictions - Restrictions to prevent EMS vehicles from traveling unnecessarily long distances. Alternative transport locations must keep in mind appropriate patient care.

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Escorts for Patients - Prohibition against unqualified personnel driving/attending to patient.

Good Samaritan Law - limited protection from civil liability when rendering medical services in good faith.

Regulatory Exemptions - CHP cannot grant exemptions to requirements/regulations of

other agencies. Exemptions are granted hereby:

-alleviate specific hardships related to public welfare

Certificate Requirement - regulatory requirement - All drivers must possess a valid ambulance driver certificate from the DMV

Certificate requirement purpose - Driving certificate demonstrates limited knowledge of laws pertaining to ambulance operations. Serves as a screening function

Driving certificate exemption - ambulance driver certificates not required for following: 1) everyone qualified to drive must possess a valid certificate 2)if out of state certificates are properly certified then they can operate in interstate emergency services. CHP can determine if they see a driver as unfit and have them re- certify within CA

Application and Issuance - application - Application can be made at a local DMV application is $67

Application and Issuance - prerequisite - -at least 18 -possess a drivers license in CA -file property completed -application certifying any criminal convictions -passa . written test about operation, equipment, driver certification requirements -submit fingerprints -submit ME report from within past two years

Certificate Term - Temporary certificate - certificate void after 180 days from date of issuance

Certificate Term- regular certificate - certificate is issued for a term not to exceed five years, will expire on the same day as the applicants driver license

Certificate Term - Conditional Validity - ambulance driver certificate valid only when accompanied by valid driver's license + ME cert + approved by DMV. Driver must be EMT after 1 year employment

Certificate Renewal - Renewal applications will be accepted during six month period prior to expiration of previous certification

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