MAO Manual

only use straps that have mechanically interlocking automotive seatbelt restraints, ideally in an ADA 3 point restraint.

particular vehicle. An inappropriately equipped vehicle create problems that harm your patient. For example, if a patient gets hurt and your first aid kit has no dressings, he or she may lose blood needlessly. An air conditioner that is not working properly may cause a sickly patient to suffer heat exhaustion during a long transport on a hot day. Be sure to check your vehicle at the beginning of every shift. LACK OF CARE WHEN MOVING PATIENTS: At times, the routine of moving patients can make an MAVO somewhat careless when transporting a patient. MAVO’s sometimes allow the fact that they’ve performed a procedure many times before lure them into a false sense of security. The MAVO may not pay as much attention to the procedure or patient as he or she may have when he or she performed the procedure the first time. Every patient deserves the MAVO’s undivided attention, even if the transport is routine. In many cases, injuries occur at unexpected times when the MAVO feels no danger exists. It is important to remember that the MAVO transports people, not cargo. As a result, he or she needs to be ever vigilant for problems and dangers so as to avoid injury to the patient. Your MAVO Instructor will review these common mistakes with you, as well as show you some scenarios where real MAVO’s got into trouble for poor performance. You will see cases where accidents caused injuries, and where OEMS inspections lead to significant fines for the companies commiting the violations. We hope that when you go out and work you will take care not to make the same or similar errors. After you have demonstrated all of the key skills of this program, and sat through all the lecture segments, the final portion of the MAVO program is to take the written examination. Your instructor will administer a multiple-choice exam on which you will need to score a 70% or higher grade.

Velcro™-type restraints, such as this one, are meant to keep patients from sliding out of their seat during normal daily activities. They are not designed to secure a patient during a violent automotive collision, and as a result should not be used instead of an ADA 3-pont restraint. NOT COMMUNICATING WITH PATIENT: A patient should always be informed during the transport. Not keeping the patient advised of the goings on during the transport may cause him or her to get anxious and behave unpredictably at a critical time during the transport. He or she may reach out during an awkward time of a tough lift, or may shift his or her weight in an odd way and throw off an assist. This type of unpredictable behaviour may cause an injury to you or the patient. Always be sure to inform your patient of the procedure before making a lift or move. Remember, every skills station in this course starts with informing the patient of the procedure so that he or she can participate appropriately or simply not get anxious. NOT INSPECTING THE VEHICLE: A vehicle inspection should always be one of the first things an MAVO does when he or she starts a shift. All commercial drivers, MAVO’s included, should start their day by checking their vehicle for missing supplies or broken equipment. Your employer will provide you with a form with the inspection items for your