Family Transport Policy

Medical Rescue Team South Authority maintains a policy outlining who is permitted in the ambulance during transport. While MRTSA recognizes the importance of family integrated medical care, there are dangers to our staff, patient and guests that don’t exist outside of transport settings. MRTSA encourages the integration of family and caregivers during medical treatments and assessments so long as it doesn’t hinder care or provide to be a risk to any of the aforementioned parties. This policy is made to protect the medical requirements of the patient, decrease chance of injury, illness, or spread of disease.

Currently no family, friends, or caregivers are permitted in the ambulance during transport unless they meet the following exception criteria:

Pediatrics

Patients under the age of 18 may have one parent, caregiver or individual who would otherwise be classified as In Loco Parentis accompany them during transport. The seating arrangements, positioning, and integration of this individual into patient care is at the discretion of the lead provider on scene.

  • Individuals under the care of a parent, or guardian, but who are 18 or older do not qualify.
  • Individuals who are considered emancipated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania do not qualify.

Special Needs

Patients who have special needs in communication, or developmental care where the patient is unable to advocate for themselves at baseline, may have one parent, caregiver or individual who would otherwise be classified as In Loco Parentis accompany them during transport. The seating arrangements, positioning, and integration of this individual into patient care is at the discretion of the lead provider on scene.

Language

Patients who are unable to communicate with care providers due to a total or near total language barrier may be accompanied by one friend, caregiver, or family member during transport. The seating arrangements, positioning, and integration of this individual into patient care is at the discretion of the lead provider on scene.

  • Accompanying individual must be above the age of 12.
  • Accompanying individual must be able to translate for the patient fluently, and efficiently to the care provider.

All policies, exceptions and rules are subject to the unique situation at hand, the lead provider on scene maintains discretion and authority to enforce the appropriate outcome. It should be noted that patient accompaniment is rare and not encouraged.

MRTSA cannot provide rides for those who do not have means of transport outside of the aforementioned exceptions.

If two people need to be transported from the same vehicle, dwelling, family, etc., MRTSA cannot guarantee that both parties will be transported to the same facility, or the same vehicle.