Eric Smith (Offline)
#7
8/12/13 11:15 AM
I can only speak about Michigan, but I gotta believe other states are similar. The state licenses vehicles as ambulances at certain levels based on equipment, capabilities, and staffing. There are lots of other things that go into it, like permission to work within a geographical area, etc. In Michigan, no track ambulance is licensed (that I know of anyways). It is virtually impossible for a track ambulance to become llicensed. The tracks often have a vehicle that says "ambulance" on it or resembles one, but is not licensed as such and has no regulations as far as equipment it must have or minimum staffing/licensing. It looks good to the racers and the fans and the insurance company, but looking good is about the extent. Some are very well equipped and staffed with knowledgable and skilled providers, and some have virtually nothing and staffed with people who have no emergency medical training whatsoever. The best thing tracks can do is to contract with their local Advanced Life Support ambulance service, which will be staffed with paramedics, to eb on site. That way state regulations are all in place. Spend a few minutes with the crew to go over the cars with them, the belt systems, HANS devices, etc, and have a safe night. A couple do do this, but most of the time, expect nothing from the track ambulance. Sadly.