Ride Along Program
METS encourages those persons who are interested in the emergency medical field to come and see for themselves what it is like to make a difference in someone's life. METS currently has students from Missouri Southern University, Franklin Technology and Joplin Fire Explorers that ride along. If you are interested, please read the guidelines below. If you have any questions, contact Marc Kaufman at mkaufman@metsambulance.com
Third Rider Duties and Responsibilities
- Third riders must be appropriately dressed either in standard uniform or professional appearing clothing. Closed toe, low heel shoes must be worn. Hair must be tied back if longer than the collar and must be neat in appearance. Jewelry is restricted to wedding bands and wristwatches.
- All third riders are restricted to patient confidentiality. They will not discuss any part of the patient condition or transport to any non-medical personnel or any medical personnel not directly responsible for patient care.
- Third riders will wear gloves for all patient contact no matter how minor.
- Third riders will follow OSHA regulations for Bloodborne Pathogens. If the third rider is unfamiliar with these regulations, they will seek guidance from the paramedic when faced with any potential blood or body fluids prior to handling the patient.
- No eating, drinking, chewing of gum, applying cosmetics or lip balm, or handling of contact lens is permitted in the patient compartment of the ambulance.
- Third riders will wear seat belts at all times.
- Third riders are under the direction of the Senior Medic on the ambulance, and will follow his/her instructions at all times. Question and answer sessions are encouraged when appropriate to patient care.
- Third riders are not permitted to operate the stretcher in any form when loaded with a patient.
- Third riders are not permitted to act as a primary "lifter" when moving patients.
- Third riders are not permitted to act as a primary "lifter" when loading isolettes.
- Third riders are permitted to utilize their Basic Life Support Skills with the expressed consent and in the presence of the Medic providing patient care.
- Third riders who are not students and who do not possess any medical certifications or license will not provide any patient care, but may be allowed to observe.
- Appropriate attitude, behavior and language will be utilized at all times by the third rider during the ride out. A third rider may be asked to leave the ride at any time if the rider's attitude, behavior, or language is inappropriate.
- Third riders are not allowed to drive the ambulance or operate any of the lights or sirens. He/she will be allowed to operate ambulance equipment necessary to patient care upon instruction from and in the presence of the Medic providing patient care.
Related Forms
These forms (in PDF format) require a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.