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ETV vs MTC vs Industrial Ambulance

ETV vs MTC vs Industrial Ambulance

Below are 3 definitions of vehicles used to transport injured workers on industrial work sites:

Source: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-guidelines/guidelines-part-03#SectionNumber:G3.16_1.1

 

Emergency Transport Vehicle (ETV)

The vehicle should be capable of traversing the area it is intended to
serve.

  • It should have a minimum headroom of 1 metre (3.3 feet).
  • It should provide protection from the natural elements and dust.
  • It should provide warmth sufficient for good care for the injured worker, with the patient compartment heated enough to maintain normal body temperature.
  • The source of heat must not be a hazard to the occupants of the vehicle when oxygen is in use.
  • It should have effective voice communication between the operator and the attendant in the treatment area of the vehicle.
  • It should have a means of effective communication with the scene of an accident. For example:
    • The driver has a two-way radio that has a direct link with another two-way radio at the scene of the injured or ill worker.
    • The driver has a two-way radio that has a link with the employer’s central dispatch centre, which has voice communication via a radio or radiotelephone with workers at the scene.
  • In areas with good coverage cell phones may be used.
  • It should have effective communication with the hospital.
    For example:

    • The driver has a two-way radio that has a direct link with the hospital.
    • A radiotelephone in the vehicle can contact the hospital directly.
    • A two-way radio or radiotelephone in the vehicle has a link with the employer’s central dispatch centre, which has voice communication via a telephone or radiotelephone with the hospital.
    • The emergency vehicle is accompanied to the hospital by another vehicle that is equipped with a radiotelephone or two-way radio that can contact the hospital directly and its driver can communicate with the emergency vehicle.
  • In areas with good coverage cell phones may be used.

An ETV should be capable of transporting at least one worker on a stretcher. It should have a means of restraining a stretcher and have enough padding to prevent excessive jarring of the injured worker.

An ETV should contain the following equipment:

1 Set of hard cervical collars covering all adult sizes (or 2 adjustable hard cervical collars), plus a head immobilizer
1 Lifting device with handholds, acceptable to WorkSafeBC, and securing straps to secure an injured worker
1 Stretcher to transport an injured worker. The stretcher must have retainer straps and a suitable mattress or padding
6 Blankets
2 Lower limb splints, minimum 1 m in length with suitable padding
2 Vomitus bags

 

 

 

 

Mobile Treatment Centre (MTC)

An MTC is an industrial ambulance that also has the following:

  • A sink with running water or, if this is not practicable, an alternative system for supplying fresh, potable water
  • Minimum headroom of 1.8 metres (6 feet) in the treatment area, sufficient for the first aid attendant to treat the injured or ill worker
  • Dressing station equipment

An MTC may be used in place of a first aid facility and emergency vehicle (ETV or industrial ambulance).

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial Ambulance

In addition to the general recommendations for an ETV, an industrial ambulance should also have the following:

  • Contain the same equipment as an ETV
  • Be used only for first aid treatment and transportation of injured workers, under the direction of the first aid attendant
  • Be capable of accommodating at least two workers on stretchers
  • Have adequate lighting in the patient compartment, allowing the first aid attendant to see and assess the injured or ill worker and complete documentation, without the use of a flashlight
  • Contain a roll cot properly secured and cushioned against excessive jarring