Frequently Asked Questions

All of our ambulances are staffed with a minimum of one Paramedic and one Emergency Medical Technician. However, frequently we have two Paramedics assigned to an ambulance.

Emergency Medical Technicians receive a minimum of 306 hours of training to obtain their certification. They are trained to examine patients to determine the nature and extent of injury or illness, administer first aid and emergency basic life support, such as patient assessment, use of adjunctive breathing aids, administering oxygen, splinting, bleeding control and doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Paramedics receive all of the training and perform the tasks required of Emergency Medical Technicians plus more complex procedures such as inserting intravenous catheters, administering intravenous solutions, administering emergency medications, inserting advanced breathing-aid devices, using suction equipment, heart monitoring equipment, and defibrillators. Paramedic training is at a minimum 1090 hours above and beyond Emergency Medical Technician Training.

Most of our fleet are what are referred to as Type III ambulances. Our Type III ambulances are based on a GMC 4500 and Mercedes Sprinter diesel chassis with an aluminum box ambulance module. We have Mercedes Sprinter diesel van ambulances in our fleet as well. To serve the special needs of the Oceano Dunes State Recreational Area and other inaccessible areas we have two 4-wheel-drive van ambulances that responds from our Arroyo Grande response station.

Our ambulances carry the most current emergency life saving equipment possible. We carry Zoll X-series cardiac monitor/defibrillators that have 12-lead EKG and pulse oximeter capability. We can provide oxygen therapy and emergency airway control through endotracheal intubation. Additionally, we carry medications to care for cardiac, allergic reaction and diabetic emergencies. Further, bandages, splints and spinal immobilization equipment are also on board.

If the scene of emergency is within city limits we have an average response time of just over 5 minutes. In rural locations, we typically can be at your emergency in less than 15 minutes.

All ambulances in San Luis Obispo County are dispatched via radio through the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center.

The fastest way to get an ambulance to your location in an emergency is to dial 911.

In order to most effectively cover the county our ambulances move in between ambulance response areas as other ambulances respond to calls. If a response area is busy and without coverage, another ambulance will move to a more central location to assist with coverage until the ambulance normally responsible for coverage returns to the area.

Generally speaking our ambulances will only be driven as fast as the road conditions and weather will safely allow. California state law allows ambulances to exceed the posted speed limit by 15 MPH. However, per our company policy, ambulances will not exceed 75 MPH on the highway.

The best way to for the ambulance to find your residence is to make sure that the numbers on your residence are displayed in such a way that they are clearly visible from the street. Ideally the numbers should be at least three inches in height, well lighted and in contrast against their mounting surface. If possible it helps to have someone stand out front of the residence or location and flag down the arriving ambulance.