AMBULANCE NUMBERING CHANGES – EFFECTIVE 2/7/11
Ambulance Numbering Changes
Two important changes are about to take place in the county. The first involves unit numbering. Beginning February 7th all volunteer rescue squad ambulances and medic units will be identified by dispatch with a common number, unique to the agency and station number. For example…
Ambulance number 43= the first out unit at FVRS station 3.
The 4 represents Forest View
The 3 represents our station #3
Ambulance number 243= the second out unit at FVRS #3.
The 2 represents the second out unit
Ambulance number 42 = the first out unit at FVRS#2.
We are NOT going to change the unit numbers on our ambulances, just the way we refer to them to dispatch. A green plastic tag will be mounted on the dash of each unit with the correct unit identifier on it.
This is a welcome change for two reasons. One, we will be able gather data on call volume by station, which we have not been able to do. Two, we can more easily match crews to calls for PCR reconciliation purposes.
How does this affect our mobile radio (unit) and handheld radio assignments?
All unit mobile radios will be re-aliased to reflect the station assignment and usage order for that ambulance. The green tag on the dash will identify the first and second out units at each station. It will be imperative that you mark up and run on the appropriate unit when pulling duty. If you are the first out crew, then run on the ambulance that is designated as first out at the station you are pulling from. A handheld radio will be assigned to each first out and second out unit (these radios will be marked).
What is a radio alias? And, why is that important?
All radios carry an alias to identify to communications (when the mike is keyed) what radio is being used to call in. This is important because it is an effective method of keeping track of handheld radios. More importantly, in the event of an emergency, the ECC will know what unit is in trouble and consequently where to send help. Remember, you may not be able to speak of your problem!
What is re-aliasing mean?
When radios move from one unit to another, the appropriate procedure is to call the ECC and notify them of the change so they can reset the alias of the radio to reflect the change of unit. Remember, this is how they locate you in an emergency.
Re-aliasing is a two step process. The cads system is an immediate change, while the ADM system can take up to two (2) hours! For this reason, the ECC is asking us to try and reduce the number of times we need to re-alias radios.
What happens if my ambulance breaks down and I need to change to another one during the shift?
You will need to notify the ECC that you are changing units. The ECC will need to re-alias the mobile (unit) radio to reflect the first out number for your station. They in turn will need to re-alias the unit that has broken down (or else they will have two mobiles with the same alias). For your handheld radio use, continue to use the radio with the first out designation.
Moving units between stations –
You will not be able to move units between stations. This is something that FVRS Logistics will handle when needed.
The unit numbering system change is something that the operations officers are in full support of. Having the ability to track station call volume and down times is critical to planning our staffing needs for the future. If you have any questions concerning this, please contact your Lieutenant.