ID
3-509-1011
Name
Ambulance Operator
Status
Published
Version
1.6
Updated
11/14/2019 9:37:48 AM
Original Release
03/01/2009
Last Major Release
11/14/2019
Resource Category
Emergency Medical Services
Primary Core Capability
Public Health, Healthcare, and Emergency Medical Services
Secondary Core Capability
Critical Transportation
Resource Kind
Personnel
Overall Function
The Ambulance Operator is responsible for the safe operation of assigned emergency vehicles, for patient care and transport
Single resource
In conjunction with a NIMS typed team
NIMS Typed Team
Ambulance Ground Team, Ambulance Strike Team, EMS Task Force
In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit
NIMS Typed Unit
 
Description Notes
Not Specified
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Types
Type Description
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Performs duties commensurate with more advanced certification
Type 2The Ambulance Operator: 1. Is responsible for the safe operation of assigned emergency vehicles, of less than 26,000 pounds (lbs.) Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), used for patient care and transport 2. Serves as replacement or backfill driver assigned to an Ambulance Team (Ground), Ambulance Strike Team, or Medical Task Force
Components
Component Notes  
EducationA Certificate of High School Equivalency is equivalent to a High School Diploma.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, or completion of the minimum terminal learning objectives for EMT as defined by the NHTSA EMS Education Standards
Type 2Completion of the following: 1. High School Diploma 2. A state-approved Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program, or completion of the minimum terminal learning objectives for EMR as defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education Standards
TrainingNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 4. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 5. Training in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.120: Hazardous Materials Awareness 6. Training in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.134: Respiratory Protection 7. Training in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens 8. Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC)
ExperienceNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrates basic competency of emergency vehicle operation Experience: Minimum two years emergency driving, plus a minimum of one year as an Ambulance Operator
Physical/Medical FitnessNIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Arduous
Professional and Technical Licenses and CertificationsThe driver should be a certified EMT if assigned to an Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit with only one medical provider. If assigned to a Basic Life Support (BLS) unit, the driver should possess an EMR certification.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: AHJ-certified EMT
Type 21. Valid state driver’s license, with appropriate endorsements where applicable 2. AHJ-certified EMR 3. AVOC, EVOC, or other recognized equivalent certification, as applicable
CurrencyProvider must carry out and use any background checks as applicable law specifies. This may include a background check completed within past 12 months, sex offender registry check, and a local, state, and national criminal history.
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 21. Functions in this position during an incident response, planned event, operations based exercise, drill, or simulation at least once every five years 2. Complies with accrediting entity, agency, or body’s established annual recertification, training, and education, such as continuing education units or professional development hours, which may vary by organization, department, and agency 3. Maintains immunizations as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended adult immunization schedule for the United States of America 4. Active member with an EMS-providing entity, organization, or agency 5. Background checks as applicable law permits or requires
Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
1333
Notes
References
Reference
EMA, NIMS 508: Ambulance Team (Ground)
FEMA, NIMS 508: Ambulance Strike Team
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System, November 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, June 2016
FEMA/US Fire Administration (USFA), Emergency Vehicle Driver Training, April 1996
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Guidance on Emergency Responder Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Response to CBRN Terrorism Incidents, June 2008
CDC, Immunization Recommendations for Disaster Responders, August 2014
National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1002: Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications, 2014
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Emergency Medical Services Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach, June 2000
NHTSA, Emergency Vehicle Operators Course Revised for Ambulances, 1995
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 1910.120: Hazardous Materials Awareness, latest edition adopted
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.134: Respiratory Protection, latest edition adopted
OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens, latest edition adopted