personnel from other agencies driving your ambulances

[WHFD322]

Here the fire dept. is separate from ems. The county system is a third service. Sometimes we need an extra person to help drive in or get in back and do patient care. A while ago the ems director decided to have the county fire dept. personnel drive us in if needed. This makes sense since two paramedics can get in back instead of a paramedic and a firefighter. I really like the idea. My only question is whether the fire department is liable in the case of an accident. I would think that the vehicle is insured but the driver would be the one causing the accident. What do you all think? Is this placing our firefighters in a bad situation or is this a winning proposition for everybody?

[latigo]

Read what your mutual aid agreements say. If it isn't spelled out, then be sure to get something in writing ASAP. We went through mutual aid agreements recently, and our chief and a.c. made sure this scenario was all spelled out and clear. That way, if, god forbid, something does happen, there are no questions. We work this way as well, and it seems to be ok, as everything is spelled out beforehand.

[smurfe]

Anyplace I have worked, the ambulance service insurance is who would be liable. We have a policy that fire only drives as a last resort when 2 medics are needed for patient care. Most of the time one medic with competant BLS assistance is more than adequate for good patient care. I prefer my partner to drive as they are used to driving our vehicles as opossed to a firefighter who is used to driving an engine.

Smurfe:D