California Ambulance Driver Certification Study Guide 2024

Privately owned or operated emergency ambulances may not be equipped and operated as emergency vehicles nor respond to an emergency call unless the operating service has been licensed to do so by the CHP. - "Ambulance" refers to only those ambulances used to respond to emergency calls. - However, the definition includes any vehicle, such as a "rescue" vehicle, when it has been specifically modified or equipped with the intent to transport injured patients. "Code 3" is used to describe the use of RED warning lamps and siren if the vehicle is being driven in response to an emergency call. - Emergency service, although related to apparent sudden need, does not always require "Code 3" operation. Code 3 is justified only when initially responding to emergency call or when speed in obtaining emergency medical care appears essential to: - 1) Save a life 2) Prevent undue suffering 3) Reduce or prevent disability Code 3 transportation of a stabilized patient is seldom necessary and often undesirable. - Those convictions that are specified in the regulations as affecting employment or certification remain convictions regardless of subsequent action by court to dismiss or set aside a guilty verdict as permitted by Penal Code Sections etc. - All ambulances operated under a single license must display the same name. - Service name or the name under which the licensee is doing business shall be displayed on BOTH sides and the REAR of each vehicle. These requirements also apply to ambulances temporarily acquired by loan or lease. Ambulance owners or operators doing business under one or more licenses, are required to provide 24-hour service under each license. - The 24 hour rule doesn't apply to an ambulance that provides service to special events or industrial employees and doesn't respond to calls from public agencies. Emergency ambulances are required to be equipped with warning lamps and sirens that comply with standards established by the CHP. - Fire extinguishers must be inspected and serviced - yearly or immediately after use, whichever occurs first. Licensee's vehicles are all required to be inspected initially and annually thereafter by CHP personnel. - Random inspections will also be made to verify that the vehicles are maintained in compliance with applicable requirements. "Good Samaritan" laws provide limited protection from civl liability under specified circumstances when rendering emergency medical services in good faith. - Ambulance services and personnel may be civilly liable for acts or omissions performed in a grossly negligent manner or not performed in good faith. Negligence and lack of good faith is determined by judge or jury. CHP cannot grant exemptions to statutory requirements or regulations of other agencies. - Ambulance driver certificates are not required for the following: - 1) Persons driving ambulances in the line of duty as salaried, regular, full-time, police officers, deputy sheriffs, or members of a fire department of a public agency. 2) Persons driving ambulances from out of state, into California, to provide only interstate emergency service, if the drivers are appropriately licensed or certified by the state of origin. Ambulance driver certificate renewal application fee is - $12 All convictions, including those that were set aside, dismissed, or expunged, MUST be declared regardless of court relief. - Failure to declare ALL criminal convictions, whether felony or misdemeanor, or a false statement on application may cause certificate to be denied. No certificate will be issued within ____ months of a denial resulting from a deliberate misrepresentation of material facts. - 12 Temporary certificate becomes void ____ days from date of issuance. - 180 The regular ambulance certificate is issued for a term not to exceed ____ years and will expire on the same date as applicant's driver license. - 5 The ambulance driver certificate is valid only when accompanied by valid driver's license and medical examination certificate which was issued within preceding two years and approved by DMV. - Additionally, after 1 year after initial employment as an ambulance driver, the driver must also possess an EMT certificate or other certificate or license evidencing compliance with training standards required for ambulance attendants. Renewal applications will be accepted during _____ month period prior to expiration of the previous certificate. - 6