Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Modes of Operation: Will address the operation of a North State Medical Transport vehicle as <br /> non-emergency, emergency, backing, or stationary. <br /> Non-Emergency Operation: Routine operation without the use of warning devices and in <br /> complete compliance with traffic laws. <br /> Vehicles in the non-emergency mode will adhere to all standard driving regulations. <br /> Emergency Operation: Urgent operation with the use of warning devices in compliance with <br /> applicable traffic laws. <br /> 1. Vehicles in the emergency mode may exceed posted speed limits and other applicable <br /> traffic laws when operated with due regard for safety. This exemption shall not,however, <br /> protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequence of a reckless disregard of the <br /> safety of others (NC General Statute § 20-145). <br /> 2. Personnel operating North State Medical Transport vehicles will be individually <br /> responsible for moving violations, including"red light camera" citations (when not in the <br /> emergency mode). <br /> 3. All vehicles will come to a complete stop at all intersections until traffic is controlled in <br /> all directions. This includes stop signs, stoplight-controlled intersections, and caution <br /> light intersections. <br /> 4. All vehicles will utilize visual and audible signaling devices while in the emergency <br /> mode. <br /> 5. The intermittent use of warning devices is strictly prohibited; their use may only be <br /> discontinued once the vehicle has safely arrived at its' destination. <br /> 6. The use of air horns should be limited to intersections or other situations when <br /> encountering traffic. <br /> 7. When traveling through posted school zones, vehicles will continue in the emergency <br /> mode but shall observe all posted speed limits and traffic regulations for that zone. <br /> 8. When encountering stopped school buses, the vehicle will come to a complete stop to <br /> ensure that all pedestrians and the bus driver recognize the vehicle and not proceed until <br /> there are no hazards evident and all school bus warning devices have been suspended. <br /> 9. When encountering posted work zones, the vehicle will continue in the emergency mode <br /> but shall observe all posted speed limits for that zone. <br /> 10. Drivers of vehicles shall refrain whenever possible from using radios, telephones, or any <br /> other device that may degrade their ability to safely operate the vehicle. <br /> 11. Cellular phone usage is prohibited in the patient care area, while transporting a patient, <br /> except in the case of providing medical care. <br /> 12. All North State Medical Transport staff should limit telephone conversations while <br /> driving vehicles to only those necessary for current operations. <br /> Backing Operation: Any situation where the vehicle is moving in a reverse direction. <br /> 1. A spotter will be used whenever a North State Medical Transport vehicle is backing up as <br /> to avoid collisions. <br /> 2. Exemptions are allowed whenever personnel are involved with patient care and acting as <br /> 80 <br />