RCW 18.73.010 Legislative finding. The legislature finds that a statewide program of emergency medical care is necessary to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this state. The intent of the legislature is to assure minimum standards and training for first responders and emergency medical technicians, and minimum standards for ambulance services, […]
RCW 18.73.020 Supersession of local regulation. The legislature further declares its intention to supersede all ordinances, regulations, and requirements promulgated by counties, cities and other political subdivisions of the state of Washington, insofar as they may provide for the regulation of emergency medical care, first aid, and ambulance services which do not exceed the provisions […]
RCW 18.73.030 Definitions. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) “Advanced life support” means invasive emergency medical services requiring advanced medical treatment skills as defined by chapter 18.71 RCW. (2) “Aid service” means an organization that operates one or more aid vehicles. (3) “Aid vehicle” means […]
RCW 18.73.081 Duties of secretary—Minimum requirements to be prescribed. In addition to other duties prescribed by law, the secretary shall: (1) Prescribe minimum requirements for: (a) Ambulance, air ambulance, and aid vehicles and equipment; (b) Ambulance and aid services; and (c) Minimum emergency communication equipment; (2) Adopt procedures for services that fail to perform in […]
RCW 18.73.101 Variance from requirements. The secretary may grant a variance from a provision of this chapter and RCW 18.71.200 through 18.71.220 if no detriment to health and safety would result from the variance and compliance is expected to cause reduction or loss of existing emergency medical services. Variances may be granted for a period […]
RCW 18.73.120 Certificate of advanced first aid qualification. The secretary shall recognize a current certificate of advanced first aid qualification for those who provide proof of advanced Red Cross training or its equivalent. [ 1979 ex.s. c 261 § 12; 1973 1st ex.s. c 208 § 12.]
RCW 18.73.130 Ambulance services and aid services—Licensing. An ambulance service or aid service may not operate in the state of Washington without holding a license for such operation, issued by the secretary when such operation is consistent with the statewide and regional emergency medical services and trauma care plans established pursuant to chapter 70.168 RCW, […]
RCW 18.73.140 Ambulance and aid vehicles—Licenses. The secretary shall issue an ambulance or aid vehicle license for each vehicle so designated. The license shall be for a period of two years and may be reissued on expiration if the vehicle and its equipment meet requirements in force at the time of expiration of the license […]
RCW 18.73.145 Ambulance and aid vehicles—Self-inspection program. The secretary shall adopt a self-inspection program to assure compliance with minimum standards for vehicles and for medical equipment and personnel on all licensed vehicles. The self-inspection shall coincide with the vehicle licensing cycle and shall be recorded on forms provided by the department. The department may perform […]
RCW 18.73.150 Ambulance personnel requirements. (1)(a) Any ambulance operated as such shall operate with sufficient personnel for adequate patient care, at least one of whom shall be an emergency medical technician under standards promulgated by the secretary. The emergency medical technician shall have responsibility for its operation and for the care of patients both before […]
RCW 18.73.155 Requirements—Military training or experience. An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training or experience requirements of this chapter unless the secretary determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state. [ 2011 c 32 § 7.]
RCW 18.73.170 Aid vehicles—Personnel—Use. The aid vehicle shall be operated in accordance with standards promulgated by the secretary, by at least one person holding a certificate recognized under RCW 18.73.120. The aid vehicle may be used for transportation of patients only when it is impossible or impractical to obtain an ambulance or when a wait […]
RCW 18.73.180 Other transportation vehicles. Other vehicles not herein defined by this chapter shall not be used for transportation of patients who must be carried on a stretcher or who may require medical attention en route, except that such transportation may be used when: (1) A disaster creates a situation that cannot be served by […]
RCW 18.73.190 Violations—Penalties. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter and for which a penalty is not provided shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in any sum not exceeding one hundred dollars for each day of the violation, or may be imprisoned in […]
RCW 18.73.200 Administrative procedure act applicable. The administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, shall wherever applicable govern the rights, remedies, and procedures respecting the administration of this chapter. [ 1973 1st ex.s. c 208 § 21.]
RCW 18.73.240 Application of uniform disciplinary act. The uniform disciplinary act, chapter 18.130 RCW, shall govern the issuance and denial of credentials, unauthorized practice, and the discipline of persons credentialed under this chapter. The secretary shall act as the disciplinary authority under this chapter. Disciplinary action shall be initiated against a person credentialed under this […]
RCW 18.73.250 Epinephrine—Availability—Administration. (1) All of the state’s ambulance and aid services shall make epinephrine available to their emergency medical technicians in their emergency care supplies. The emergency medical technician may administer epinephrine. (2) Nothing in this section authorizes the administration of epinephrine by a first responder. [ 2005 c 463 § 1; 2001 c […]
RCW 18.73.260 Guidelines. (1) The department of health shall convene a stakeholder group including the department of social and health services, the department of transportation, and local special needs transportation providers who shall assist in the development of guidelines for the safe transport of individuals who rely on stretchers and personal mobility devices. (2) The […]
RCW 18.73.270 Disclosure of information by emergency medical personnel—Violent injuries—Immunity. (1) Except when treatment is provided in a hospital licensed under chapter 70.41 RCW, a *physician’s trained emergency medical service intermediate life support technician and paramedic, emergency medical technician, or first responder who renders treatment to a patient for (a) a bullet wound, gunshot wound, […]
RCW 18.73.280 Ambulance service—Transport of patients to a nonmedical facility. An ambulance service may transport patients to a nonmedical facility, such as a mental health facility or chemical dependency program as authorized in regional emergency medical services and trauma care plans under RCW 70.168.100. [ 2015 c 157 § 4.]
