REMOTE HEALTH ATLAS Section 11: QUALITY ASSURANCE

AMBULANCE CLINICAL EQUIPMENT

AMBULANCE CLINICAL EQUIPMENT

1. General Information
Health centres without a formal provision of Ambulance Services in their community have a vehicle provided for the purpose of functioning as a basic ambulance (see definition below). All ambulances have a basic (minimum) fit out that facilitates their purpose although a number of Remote Health Branch ambulances have been equipped to higher standards due to their proximity to areas with a higher incidence of trauma. This Atlas item is provided in respect of the minimum standards relating to ambulance fit-outs. Radio and satellite communications where fitted to ambulance vehicles are checked in accordance with the Vehicles Quality Return Form, they do not constitute clinical equipment. Ambulances are also required to have a Vehicle Quality Return Form completed on a monthly basis.

2.

Definitions

Ambulance: for the purpose of this Atlas item, the term ambulance refers to the vehicle supplied to a health centre that is fitted with a DoH approved stretcher and oxygen carrying capacity, chiefly provided for the carriage of unwell clients in the course of business of that particular health centre.

3.
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4

Responsibilities
All Health Centre Clinical Staff Participate in the weekly checking of the clinical equipment within the Ambulance Sign off a completed check on the health centres Essential Checks Form. Primary Health Care Manager (PHCM) Ensure weekly checks are attended by assigning staff to the task Evaluate and take action to correct issues identified through QA activities Develop a checklist of additional clinical equipment beyond the minimum standard required for designated health centres Ensure regular maintenance of all clinical equipment in the ambulance Professional Practice Nurse (PPN) Arrange the yearly distribution of the Quality Assurance package Monitor return of the Essential Checks Form Maintain the Quality Returns database Report QA issues as required to the relevant person, eg ASM, Fleet Officer, Provide reports on Quality Assurance activities as required, to Management Team Area Service Manager (ASM) Support QA activities in health centres Follow up on QA reports / issues with PHCMs

4.
4.1

Procedure
Routine Checking

The Ambulance Clinical Equipment is to be checked routinely on a weekly basis for: - presence - cleanliness - integrity of packaging
Developed by: Quality & Safety Team Endorsed by: Quality & Safety Manager Release Date: December 2005 Page 1 Reviewed: Jan 06, Nov 07, Nov 08, Jan 11, Next Review: January 2014

REMOTE HEALTH ATLAS Section 11: QUALITY ASSURANCE

AMBULANCE CLINICAL EQUIPMENT

- working order / maintenance needs - oxygen levels The date the check is performed should be recorded on the Essential Checks Form. 4.2 Maintenance Regular maintenance of the ambulance stretcher is required. Stretchers are to be cleaned with warm soapy water and dried well. A graphite or lithium base lubricant is to be applied to moveable points following cleaning. Full servicing by a technician may be required annually dependent on the condition of the stretcher. Poorly performing stretchers are an Occupational Health and Safety risk. Oxygen regulators and twin-o-vacs require annual maintenance. This is of particular importance in dusty environments. Additional clinical equipment requires regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. 4.3 Cleaning Clinical equipment should be protected from dust where possible or cleaned regularly. Equipment used to deliver oxygen and suction should be contained in a dust proof bag where possible. Hot soapy water is recommended for cleaning. Body fluid spills should be cleaned with a bleach solution and Standard Precautions and Additional Precautions observed as required. 4.4 Securing Equipment within the Ambulance Equipment within the Ambulance is to be secured so as to prevent potential injury to occupants. - Oxygen cylinders are to be secured in a professionally fitted oxygen cylinder bracket - Stretchers are to be professionally fitted with floor tracks and safety catch - Scoop stretchers carried within the ambulance routinely, are to have a professionally fitted bracket - Additional clinical equipment carried in the ambulance is to be secured appropriately 4.5 Contents See Ambulance Clinical Equipment - Contents for the minimum standard of clinical equipment to be maintained in the ambulance. Stock levels are to be to be kept to a minimum. Where additional clinical equipment is currently fitted in an ambulance, health centre staff are to include that extra clinical equipment into the weekly checking routine.

5.

Forms

Essential Checks Form Vehicles Quality Returns Form

6.

References and Supporting Documents

Related Atlas Items: Additional Precautions Quality Assurance Folder - Overview Standard Precautions Emergency Vehicles Essential Checks Vehicles Quality Returns Maintenance & Repairs of Clinical Equipment Ambulance Clinical Equipment - Contents Quality Assurance Returns Flowchart Accounting and Property Manual - Section 12 Transport
Developed by: Quality & Safety Team Endorsed by: Quality & Safety Manager Release Date: December 2005 Page 2 Reviewed: Jan 06, Nov 07, Nov 08, Jan 11, Next Review: January 2014