§ 111.001. Definitions.

For the purpose of this article the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

"Ambulance." Any privately owned or leased motor vehicle that is specifically designed, constructed, or modified and equipped and is intended to be used for the emergency and non-emergency transportation upon the streets or highways of this City of persons who are seriously ill, injured, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless. "Ambulance" does not include: (1) any vehicle designed and used solely for the transportation of nonstretcher-bound, hospitalized, or handicapped persons, whether ambulatory or confined to a wheelchair; and (2) any vehicle operated or owned by a hospital, which vehicle is a specialized neonatal unit or mobile intensive care unit used solely for the inter-facility transport of neonatal patients.

"Ambulance inspector." The Fire Chief or his designee who inspects private ambulance vehicles, facilities, and personnel within the City.

"Emergency call." Any unforeseen event affecting an individual in such a manner that a need for immediate medical care is created. An emergency call includes all requests for emergency medical service requiring immediate response by paramedics and as subsequently determined by a paramedic team under the direction of Medical Control, the administration of Advanced Life Support or Basic Life Support. Emergency calls shall not include transports for transfer of in-house patients or emergency room patients transferred at the request of a patient or physician.

"Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board." The board created by Akron City Council and more fully defined in § 111.007 of this code.

"Emergency medical service organization" or "ambulance service." An organization that uses EMTs-basic, EMTs-I or paramedics, or a combination thereof, to provide medical care to victims of illness or injury. An emergency medical service organization includes, but is not limited to, commercial ambulance service organizations, a hospital and a funeral home.

"Licensing agent." The agent of the Department of Finance to whom registration documents must be submitted for processing.

"Medical control." A designated hospital emergency department which provides prompt physician supervision through radio or telephonic communication to emergency medical personnel in the field and which directs the medical care and the transportation of the patient to the appropriate facility for definitive care.

"Patient." An individual who is or appears to be sick, injured, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated or helpless.

"Primary responder." Any private ambulance company registered in the City whose vehicle is located closest to the emergency scene and that responds by request of the Safety Communications Division when the Fire Division has no available medic units for response.

"Safety Communications Division." The division of the City of Akron Department of Public Safety responsible for dispatch and coordination of emergency medical services in the city.

(Ord. 178-2004)