Patient Transportation Handbook The Safety of our Patients and the Safety of our Drivers is our Top Priority FOREWORD Transporting a patient to Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a tremendous responsibility. Shriner volunteer drivers and the temples that sponsor them share an obligation to ensure patient transportation is safely performed. Pursuant to that important goal, here are some recommendations. These recommendations were developed after many requests for the establishment of minimum qualifications for drivers and, consequently, are not all encompassing. Some temples use vehicles, such as buses, that require drivers to have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). CDL’s have additional driver qualification requirements. Please note, insurance information is only required if you permit patient transportation in a noble’s personal vehicle. On page 7, section 3, there is a paragraph for this purpose. (We do not recommend that this be permitted, unless patient transportation vans are not available.) It is recommended that temples ensure drivers meet all state and legal requirements, which may include background checks. It is also recommended that all trips outside of the local area include a co-driver. The driver of a vehicle actively engaged in transporting a patient or guardian should not, as a matter of policy, utilize cell phone or mobile devices when operating the vehicle. Co-drivers may use cell phones when necessary. A medical exam, including a vision test, may be needed to confirm the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. It is also recommended that drivers receive periodic training with courses provided by the National Safety Council, AAA or AARP, or other providers. All drivers must have an Annual Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) on file. Temples should set up a driver’s qualification file, which includes documentation, i.e. copies of license, training certificate, medical exam, and MVR (Drivers Abstract), etc. JOHN C. PILAND Executive Vice President/COO Shriners International PLEASE NOTE: This entire section (page 2) of the handbook contains material that was not in the previous version of the manual, but was provided in a cover memo. Items that are new or revised will be shown in red. 1 Hospital Patient Transportation Driver Expectations » »Driver must have a valid, current driver’s license. » »A co-driver is recommended when traveling outside of the local area. » »It is recommended that the driver take a preliminary drive with an approved driver in order to become familiar with the van. » »Driver should not use a cell phone or mobile device when operating a vehicle. » »It is recommended that the driver take at least two preliminary hospital trips as a co-driver with an approved driver. » »It is recommended that the driver attend at least one temple safety meeting annually. » »All drivers should have an Annual Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) on file. » »Generally, personal vehicles are not recommended for use to transport patients or guardians. Physical Examinations » »A physical examination including a vision test may be required if needed to confirm a driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle. » »The temple’s hospital patient transportation fund may be used to pay for a required examination. » »A copy of the physical examination and the bill must be turned in to the Recorder’s office, and a copy should be kept in the driver’s qualification file in the dispatcher’s office. Safety Meetings » »It is recommended that the temple conduct safety meetings at least four times a year. » »These meetings can cover substantive areas related to van care, driving safety, first aid, C.P.R., etc. » »Drivers who do not attend at least one safety meeting annually may be removed from the list of eligible drivers. 2 Driver Pre-Trip Inspection » »As you approach the van, observe the general appearance of the van. It should be clean and easily identified as a “….Temple Hospital Patient Transportation Van.” » »A driver is encouraged to perform a walk-around inspection before each trip, which may include review of: • • All lights, including turn signals • • Tires, wheels, and wheel covers • • Windshield and wiper blades • • Mirrors • • Safety belts • • Rear emergency door • • Proper papers in the glove box (registration, insurance, contact information) • • Fire extinguishers, first aid kits and emergency reflectors • • Exhaust and tailpipe systems • • Extra motor oil, windshield wiper solvent and coolant are on board » »If any major problems are found, driver must take another van or postpone the trip. » »Minor problems should be reported on a trip sheet when returned to the dispatcher. Van Maintenance » »It is recommended each van be taken to a reputable auto service center regularly, at least every 5,000 miles, for preventative maintenance. This servicing may include lube and oil changes and general maintenance as needed. The dispatcher schedules this service. » »Drivers must report any malfunctions of the engine, lights, accessories, braking, and steering or unusual engine noises on their trip ticket when they return. » »Drivers must completely fill out a trip ticket with mileage before and after, fuel expenses with receipts, meal expenses with receipts, and maintenance expenses with receipts, if any are incurred. » »The dispatcher should maintain a complete file on each van. It should list mileage, last maintenance inspection date and when the next inspection is due. » »It is recommended each van has an annual safety inspection by a certified mechanic, and a copy of any inspection report is recommended to be kept in that van’s file in the dispatcher’s office. 3 Parent And Patient Instructions » »The driver is in charge of the van at all times. » »Inform passengers that seat belts must be worn at all times and smoking is not allowed in the van. » »Patient pick up and drop off location and times are controlled by the dispatcher. » »Ask the patients and guardians not to litter the van. Traffic Tickets » »Any moving violations must be reported to the temple recorder. » »A driver must immediately report receipt of a license suspension or revocation. » »Fines for traffic or parking violations are the responsibility of the driver. Accidents » »The safety of the passengers, public and drivers are of primary importance. » »Safety training is provided to prevent injury to our passengers and our drivers, and to avoid damage to our vans. » »If an accident occurs, it should be handled calmly and efficiently and must be reported to the proper authorities (including temple recorder). 4 In The Event Of An Accident » »Stop the van as soon as possible in a safe, secure location. Call 911 if need be. » »Immediately check to see if any of the passengers are injured. » »If necessary, contact the appropriate police or fire agency as soon as possible (remember, most truck drivers have C.B.’s and fire extinguishers). » »After the police/rescue are notified, call the temple and report the accident, providing complete details. » »Investigate the cause and gather as much information as possible, including: • • Names, addresses, ages and phone numbers of all parties and witnesses • • The license plate numbers of the other vehicles involved • • The driver’s license number and insurance information of any party involved » »Complete and deliver your report to the temple as soon as possible (report forms are available in the vans). » »In case of any accident, all details and injuries must be reported, including where the injured parties were taken. Accident Review Board » »If an accident review board is convened, all deliberations should be under attorney/client privilege. » »The purpose of the review board is to determine if the facts and circumstances of the accident require any remedial action be taken. Operating Procedures » »Safety and traffic laws must be obeyed at all times. » »Our branding is on each van: make a good impression to others on the road. » »Be proud of your personal appearance, the appearance of your van and your driving. » »Never leave the van unattended when there are passengers on board. » »Keep the dashboard clean and clutter-free at all times. » »When parked, make sure all lights are off, windows up and doors locked. 5 Personal Behavior » »Be courteous and cheerful to your passengers. » »Keep personal problems to yourself when on the job. » »Report any disobeying of rules to the recorder. » »Vans are to be used for patient transportation to Shriners Hospitals locations only (unless other travel is authorized by the recorder). » »Consumption of alcoholic beverages before or during the van trip is strictly forbidden. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Recorder’s Office: __________________________________ Dispatcher’s Office: _________________________________ 6 Annual Driver Certification Temple: Noble: Address: Telephone: I, ______________________________ do hereby certify: E 1. I offer my services to __________________________ temple as a volunteer driver for patients, parents and guardians of children who require transportation to and from a Shriners Hospital location and other related Shriners hospital transportation. PL 2. I am the holder of a valid driver’s license, number _________________ ________________, issued by the state or province of _______________________, which expires on ____________. 3. I have motor vehicle liability insurance coverage in the amount of __________________ with _____________________ Company, policy number __________________________. M 4. I am in good health, possess good hearing and have corrected vision of at least 20/40. My last medical examination was___________________ (date). 5. I have not been convicted on any motor vehicle violation for the past 12 months other than _______________________________________ SA 6. I have not been involved in any motor vehicle accident for the past 12 months other than _______________________________________ 7. I will obey the law and rules of the road; and I will use a safety harness when transporting children and will make certain that all adult occupants use safety harnesses and that children use safety devices required by law or appropriate to their physical condition. 8. If requested by the potentate, I am willing to participate in any temple sponsored defensive driver program for hospital vehicle drivers and any temple sponsored medical examination for hospital vehicle drivers. 9. I authorize the recorder of this temple to verify my driving record with appropriate state or province authorities, and release all parties from action taken based on information learned from driver’s record check. Signature: _________________________ Dated: __________ 7 Notes: 8 Shriners International Headquarters 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607 BRSISEP18PTF
