High demand for EMTs and PCPs

In the past OFA3 and EMR personnel were the staple in first aid response. For low to medium risk work with less than 10 people, these personnel were deemed appropriate for the job at hand.





Over the past year we’ve seen an increase request for higher level of training across all job sites in Alberta and BC. EMTs and PCPs are becoming the new standard for medics that provide emergency services in remote locations.

Here at MTC Rentals we have received triple the requests for EMT gear in our rentals in Alberta alone. After speaking with our customers we have noticed a decent size shift in the level of care that is being requested from prime contractors that are bidding out work.


While this is great news for increasing standards across Canada, let’s look at some of the implications of this trend:

COSTS

There are two increased costs associated with changing from an EMR to EMT.

First we have wages; the difference in training is substantial. EMR, depending on where you take the course is typically a 3 week program with basic knowledge in life saving techniques. There are far more EMRs available on the market with this level of training and typically receive an honest wage.

When we look at EMT as the next level, the time commitment to a 1 year program is usually a very big decision in most people. The training increases to a Basic Life Support level and includes a number of life-saving drugs that require a deeper understanding of anatomy and philology. The EMT is now capable of providing a higher level of life saving techniques that, in turn, requires a higher level of pay.

Wages are usually subjective but can be easily argued that an EMT will receive higher earnings and its former EMR qualifications.


Second is the gear. EMT personnel use slightly more equipment and up to three times as many drugs that are consumed or expire on a regular basis. The increased amount of equipment and drugs create an increase of costs associated with having them on site, especially when these items are utilized in an emergency situation.

The overall costs associated with changing EMRs to EMTs, including wages and equipment, can be estimated at a 20-25% increase to its employer.

AVAILABLITY

There are fewer licensed EMTs than licensed EMRs in Alberta. This creates a high demand for EMT training and forces employers to compete with wages for good quality long lasting employees.

Finding EMTs and keeping them happy is going to be harder and harder as companies switch over to EMT level care.

QUALITY

Overall, the industries moving to EMT based services will receive better treatment and higher level of life saving techniques for all their workers. As job sites become more remote and new workers are introduced, the number of life threatening injuries will increase.

Canada has always been a leader in safety and response in the private sector and will continue to lead the ways as this trend continues.

CONCLUSION

We are excited to see these changes and understand there is a trend happening for more EMTs and PCPs to be hired in industry. We are happy to hear that companies are proactively increasing the level of care for their works but understand that there is a cost associated in doing so.


While certain jobs such as facilities, nursing stations and remote camps already require EMTs, Paramedics and Nurses, these high risk or permanent work sites are not included in this article. The biggest change comes from sites that previously used OFA3 and EMRs in order to comply with OH&S standards, such as pipeline construction, completions, seismic, and other categories that may be considered medium or low risk.

Please visit us at MTCRentals.ca for a quote on Emergency Vehicle Rentals.


By Dion Siluch

Tips for buying a used MTC

By Dion Siuch

Used MTCs are a lot like used cars in terms of mechanical wear issues, but they also have the added complexity of the medical and electrical equipment in the rear patient compartment. Unlike the average vehicle, a lot of people will be depending on your MTC to function properly, and in many cases the situation could be of life or death importance. So here are some things to consider before you buy a used MTC so that you can be confident in your purchase.



The Basics

The basis of an MTC is usually a commercial truck chassis from a major automobile manufacturer, such as Ford, GM or Chrysler, mounted with a slide in MTC unit. You can research reliability and mechanical maintenance costs by asking a mechanic about the specific truck models or by checking on manufacturer-specific online forums.

A full size V8 truck with an 8-foot box that properly fits the mounted MTC will be required. Weather the vehicle is a Half Ton, 3/4 Ton or One Ton, it is usually by preference of the buyer. As long as the chassis has the required payload to handle the weight, the regulations will allow the vehicle.


Brands of MTCs
It is important, to consider what brand of MTC you need for the patients you serve and the area you are in. Factors like fuel economy, storage space, or off-road use are all significant factors in buying the right unit.

#1 – Tufport


Tufport MTCs are currently the front runner when it comes to brand. They are full roll-over certified and provide a very good solution for the market. Although they do have some repairs costs and slight functionality disadvantages, they are a great unit for most users.





#2 – Code 3


Local to the West Coast in Kelowna, BC, Code 3 has been making MTCs for over a decade. They have significantly improved their quality, look and functionality in recent years putting them in competition for the best quality unit in Canada.



#3 – Sundowner


Sundowners are an economic choice as an MTC. Looking a bit outdated with many problems with leaking roofs and side panels, sundowners are still recognized as certified MTCs with roll-over compliance that meet OH&S standard.

#4 – Travelaire


As we still need more information on Travelaire MTCs, they are retrofitted campers with the configuration to transport people on 2 flat benches. We am unable to confirm that all (or if any) Travelaire MTCs are roll-over certified or gone through long term testing for their longevity. Currently used unit sell for much less than other well-known branded MTCs.


Mechanical Issues
There are different engines that power MTCs while working in the field. Gas and Diesel engines are roughly just as common with Gas engines taking the lead in recent years due to their increased durability. Both have costs and both have pros and cons.

Gas engines usually have less maintenance costs and typically provide a better quality unit for MTCs. They run hotter and allow the large space of air within the cabin to be heated quickly during low temperatures. However, the high idle hours can seriously hurt the Gas engines as long duration engine wear start breaking down even with low highway miles.
In terms of diesel engines, the repair record is pretty good. Ford has been making diesel engines for quite a long time and their 6.7L turbo-diesel can get right up there in repair costs. The mix the durability with the better fuel economy compared to the Gas may be attractive at first but typically never outweighs the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Ambulance Equipment
Everything wears out over time, that is a fact of life when buying any used item. The trick to making a smart purchase is to either find something of great quality that will last longer, or to buy something that has been refurbished.
Most MTCs on the market sell their vehicles as-is, without much fixing up, and a brief detail job, if you’re lucky. If you are buying a used MTC that hasn’t been refurbished, your best bet is to find something that was top quality when it was brand new.
All of that said, your best bet for buying a quality used MTC is to find one that has had some refurbishing work done to it. It is a mistake to think that any used vehicle will be 100% perfect, but at least a refurbished MTC has been gone over with a fine-tooth-comb and has had any outstanding issues repaired. During the refurbishing process, all of the MTCs systems are tested, and it is shown to be a fully functional emergency vehicle before it is delivered to its new owner.


About Us (Full Disclosure)
Our company, MTC Rentals, was founded on the simple idea that first aid response throughout Canada can be easily accessible and of top quality for all Canadian workers. If you have any questions or comments on this article please feel free to comment below.

Do’s and Don’ts for Ambulance Rentals

By Dion Siluch


Whether you are renting an Ambulance for a local event or need an off-road Mobile Treatment Centre (MTC) for an industrial job site, here are a couple Do’s and Don’ts for a smooth rental experience.

Don’t

– Don’t assume the rental Ambulance will have all the equipment you’ll need

Depending on your jurisdiction, some provinces require different quantities of medical supplies, access to resources (such as water) and certifications for working in that particular area. Check with your OH&S code or consult with your Health and Safety specialist to make sure your unit is compliant.

– Don’t use the rental Ambulance for anything other than patient transportation

This means utilizing the emergency vehicles only for patient transports and for on the job coverage. Using the rental to tow a trailer or as a ride to the bar is against the rental contract and may result in damaging the image of healthcare professionals.

– Don’t represent yourself as a government issued 911 Ambulance

It is a provincial and federal offense to imitate or otherwise disguise as a government service official. Rental Ambulances and Mobile Treatment Centre’s are for private use only and are strictly meant for services hired by contract.

Do’s

– Do make sure you complete a walk through BEFORE picking up a rental

There can be many surcharges and additional damage charges that can occur during a rental. Make sure the healthcare professional or a company representative completes a full walk through and sign-off before using the emergency vehicle.

– Do ensure you have proper insurance and registration papers inside the rental vehicle

Many Ambulance and Mobile Treatment Centre rentals go to small and medium size companies with fleet insurance policies. In the case where these companies decline the optional insurance, a copy of the fleet insurance must be inside the rental at all times.

– Do follow the regular maintenance schedule for the rental

Some rentals may last months while they provide emergency transport. Make sure the follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance (such as oil changes) provided in the owners manual. The responsibility of optimal vehicle reliability should be the responsibility of the professional that is using the equipment.

Dion Siluch

Proper cleaning of MTCs and Ambulances

by Dion Siluch


There are a couple factors to keep in mind when we are cleaning these types of industrial response units. Because of their remote locations, non-sterile environments and distances from hospitals, it is not possible to keep these units 100% bacteria free and sterile.

In the case of OHS Code of Alberta, MTCs and industrial ambulances must be kept “clean and sanitary” under Schedule 2 – Table 4 – 1(f).




Note the use of the word “sanitary” not to be mixed up with the word “sterile”. There seems to be some confusion between the 2 terms. So, in an effort to clear things up, I’ve included a couple of definitions to keep in mind:

Sanitize – To render sanitary, or free from elements, such as filth or pathogens that endanger health. This does not mean ALL possible microorganisms. MOST sanitizing does not remove ALL bacteria, microorganisms, etc.

Sterilize – to render sterile, or to make free from ALL live bacteria or other microorganisms. Kind of a “kill everything” approach to microorganisms.

Keep in mind that something that is sterilized can also be considered sanitary, but something that is sanitized is not sterile.

By these 2 definitions, we can start to dive into the cleaning requirements for these industrial response vehicles need in order to comply with OHS standards.





Lets start with Timing:

How often should we clean the inside of our industrial response units?

The first thing we should look at is the exposure to dust and particles. As good practice, if the unit is traveling daily i.e driving to location and back every day, then the interior should be cleaned every day or shift. Driving on dusty roads, movement of objects inside and the vibrations of the cab can cause a layer of dust to build up on the surfaces of potential working space.

If however, the unit is stationary for weeks or months at a time, a good practice would be to clean all surfaces and potentially unsanitary areas every week. This leaves no room for error when an emergency might need immediate attention.





Next, we should look at Products:

2 types of products will typically achieve the desired sanitary result for industrial response units. Soap and Disinfectant.
Using soap is the most effective way to remove dirt and grease from floors and walls. Grabbing a mop bucket and a clean hand towel will ensure you can wipe down all the non-critical areas of the interior. Not to be mistaken for disinfectant, the purpose of soap is to break dow and remove large quantities of dirt, grease, grime and other hard to break down materials.

Second, we will use disinfectant. This is done by spraying or applying a layer of disinfectant on critical surfaces, leaving for a few minutes as the instructions on the product indicate and wiping clean with paper towel. This kills all the germs and microorganisms that may be hiding on these surfaces. This should be used on countertops, handles, sinks, buttons or switches, cupboards, mattresses and any other surface the may come in direct or indirect skin contact.





Using these techniques and a proper amount of time, compliance with OHS standards can be a very simple task. Unlike strict rules set out by hospitals and emergency rooms, we some leeway to how intensive our cleaning and disinfecting procedures become. It is impossible to keep the same standard with all the elements these units face but proper education we can minimize a majority post injury infection in emergency services.


Dion Siluch

http://mtcrentals.ca/blog-post/proper-cleaning-of-mtcs-and-ambulances/

Expanding the fleet - What it looks like

Expanding the fleet - What it looks like

Since the increase in rentals and the overwhelming number of inquiries over the past months, we have decided to increase our fleet size. One of the techniques we use to move ahead effectively is refurbishing older MTCs in order to keep costs low. Typically these savings are passed on to our customers as we are able to stay competitive in the marketplace.

Due to the longevity of fibreglass material, cleaning up the outside of Tufport brand MTCs can be quite easy with the proper tools.

Once we finish refurbishing the inside and outside of the unit, we will outfit the MTC with brand new decals in order to comply with OH&S standards. After we add first aid supplies and properly sterilize the environment inside, the MTC will be ready for use!

AFTER PICS

By Dion Siluch

Life Changing Paramedic Stories - 18 Year Old vs Power Line

Life Changing Paramedic Stories - 18 Year Old vs Power Line

by Dion Siluch

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the more common calls we go to. Even though they only account for 18% of our 911 calls, they are usually unpredictable and have to highest risk to the paramedics for injuries and screw ups. Not only do you have to deal with variables such as weather, number of vehicles, mechanism of injury and number of people involved. But you also have to deal with traffic and tight spaces. Most paramedics get back injuries while working in the field. High stress, people in pain and the public eye watching can cause you to miss calculate how heavy someone is or what angle you might be extracting someone from.

What’s even more scary are power lines. In this particular call our 18 year old male patient drove straight into a power pole after losing control on icy roads. The power line detached from the pole and fell onto the hood of the truck. Upon arrival the firefighters warned us the potential of electrocution if we were to touch the truck while standing on the pavement.

This was a very stressful call for us. While waiting for confirmation from the hydro company that the power had been turned off our driver had a decreased level of consciousness and severe trauma to his head and neck. It was hard to tell where his legs were. He hit the pole directly on the driver side and all the windows had shattered in the vehicle. He was murmuring under his breath to open the door and pull him out, his legs were crushed under the dashboard.

Traffic was building up on both sides and bystanders were offering to help which made the situation worse. Less people know what the risks are and more people feel like they need to be the hero.

The man’s lips became blue as the cold had started to sink in. Eventually we got the green light and pull him out of the vehicle using the jaws of life. Famously known by firefighters, the jaws of life are a hydraulic apparatus used to pry apart the wreckage of crashed vehicles in order to free people trapped inside.

We strapped him to our spine board and started our way to the hospital. His vital signs began to stabilize with the use of direct pressure and we were able to control the bleeding. Other than some small pieces of windshield glass embedded in his forehead, the man was lucky and didn’t require any major treatment.

We arrived at the hospital and were greeted with one nurse and a doctor. The hospital in our small town only serviced 4,000 people so the emergency room was nothing like what we see on TV, just a few people on standby with only two trauma rooms. We cleared the bed, prepared the equipment and handed off our patient to the hospital staff. The emergency room was now in charge and we had finished our job.

After visiting back a few days later we found that our 18 year old patient had been shipped to a larger hospital for bone reconstruction. He was expected to make a full recovery and be back on his feet in less than 6 months.

Conclusion:

The first snow fall is always the busiest day for paramedic because of the carelessness of driving on dry roads for the whole summer. We lose touch with caution when the roads get slippery and many people find themselves in the ditch or running into other vehicles. Canada is an interesting place where not a single person can escape this yearly phenomenon. Millions of people experience the first snow fall of the season and it amazes me how, in the grand scheme of thing, we end up relatively unscathed. For our 18 year old patient his story reflects all those people that were not as lucky. A six month recovery time could change anyone’s life with just a drop of carelessness on the road.