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Agency Information
Community Health
Project Heartbeat
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AMBULANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I often see an ambulance parked along Highway 1 near Villa Creek or near the summit of Highway 46. Why are they parked at these locations?
When another ambulance response area is busy and without a local ambulance, another ambulance is requested to move to a "middle" location and help cover the busy area until the regular ambulance returns. Sometimes, the covering ambulance may respond all the way to the response area station.
How are your ambulances dispatched to an emergency?
The District ambulances are requested by radio through the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department dispatch center. This service is referred to as "Med Com", which is a shortened version of medical communications.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department dispatch center. They are located on Kansas Avenue, off Highway One just south of Camp San Luis Obispo/Cuesta College.
How are the ambulances staffed?
Each ambulance response must have a minimum of one paramedic and one emergency medical technician (EMT). Depending on the work schedules, the ambulance may have two paramedics on duty.
If my family member has a sudden illness or injury, wouldn't it save time if I drive them down to your ambulance station?
No - It is possible that the ambulance crew will not be at the station. They could be out conducting training, running errands, or on another emergency call. Calling 911 will allow the dispatcher to contact the ambulance by radio and direct them to your location.
What is required to work on the ambulance?
This mainly applies to local residents who would like to participate in the backup/shift relief program. The first step is to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). This can be accomplished by taking the class either through Cuesta College or the Emergency Medical Services Agency (visit their line on the home page). This class is approximately four months long, attending evening classes twice a week with at least two Saturday classes. After becoming an EMT, you have to obtain your ambulance driver's permit through the Department of Motor Vehicles and then apply to the Healthcare District to become a member of the backup staff. Once you're accepted to the staff, you are then engaged in a training program to become oriented to the agency's equipment and operation procedures. Further information can be obtained by calling 805-927-8304 extension 303.
Do you work with helicopters on emergencies?
Yes, depending on the emergency (life threatening or rescue), we will work on scene with the California Highway Patrol helicopter which is known as "H-70". This helicopter is based out of Paso Robles Airport, and is staffed with a pilot and a flight officer paramedic. On other occasions, we may encounter CalStar Air Ambulance out of Gilroy, Coast Guard, military helicopters such as Vandenberg Air Force Base, Lemoore Naval Air Station or the National Guard from Camp Roberts.
How fast does the ambulance go with red lights and siren?
The ambulance will only be driven as fast as it is safe to do so. Many factors are involved in a safe "code 3" response, including traffic congestion, pedestrians, the roadway, weather conditions, etc., but generally, the ambulance, per agency policy, will not go faster than 70 miles per hour on the open highway.
What steps can be taken to make it easier for the ambulance/fire/law enforcement personnel to find my home during an emergency?
The most important thing is to make sure your house numbers are clearly displayed and visible from the street. They should be at least four inches in height and in a contrasting color to the surface they're mounted on. Additional numbers on a mailbox (both sides) are helpful as well. Other things that are helpful is to have a family member or neighbor outside to "flagged" down the responding emergency vehicles, and during the night to make sure the porch light is on.
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