Ambulance crews provide a crucial service. As first responders, they need to administer the most effective medications and treatments often in life and death situations. That would not be possible if the proper supplies and equipment were not available. 

Most states have regulatory requirements for ambulance checks. That means that the rig has to be checked inside and out not only to verify that the minimum levels of EMS equipment, supplies, and medication are present, but also for the safety of the vehicle. Tires, gas and oil levels, and regular engine maintenance should all be included. Taillights, flashing lights, and headlights also need to be tested.

Ambulances are often referred to as “mobile emergency departments” and serve urban as well as rural locations. The rig check is especially vital for ambulance crews that serve rural areas. If a necessary medication or piece of equipment is missing, it may be hours before it can be replaced.

Hands-on rig checks also help educate ambulance crews. Doing a review of medications ensures that it will be easier to remember where they are located within the vehicle. The crew should be able to access the supplies quickly.

Making sure that each piece of equipment is operational is also a great way to review how it works. A patient can’t wait for a paramedic to figure out why the defibrillator isn’t working. Powering it up and visually inspecting it during rig checks will remind paramedics of how it works and how to get it ready for use.

Paramedics work under hectic conditions and sometimes in inclement weather. Equipment and supplies don’t stay in perfect condition. They can get wet, damaged, inadvertently torn open, or otherwise jammed into a pocket or bag. Rig checks allow for the time needed to discover any damaged or unusable supplies or equipment and replace them.

Another important part of keeping an ambulance well stocked is reviewing the expiration dates of medications and disposable supplies so that any expired EMS supplies can be replaced.

A person in a medical emergency counts on ambulance service to have the supplies, medications, and equipment necessary to save their lives. To learn more about EMS supplies and equipment, visit Coast Biomedical Equipment.