A workgroup of industry and Department of Health representatives developed the following list of competencies for ambulance service drivers. The workgroup formed as a result of the 2016 Legislature's repeal of the hardship exemption, a recommendation made by the 2015 EMS Stakeholders Group. The workgroup was tasked with thoroughly studying the driver component to ensure appropriate training options were implemented. Under its final recommendations, a driver must have a valid South Dakota driver’s license, complete the state-approved EVOC course and health care provider CPR training, and demonstrate competency in:
- HIPAA Awareness
- Infection Control
- Patient Movement
- Equipment and Communication Systems Knowledge
The driver component is considered an orientation process with initial and remedial training segments. The ambulance service director must maintain documentation from each driver candidate in a personnel file available for the Department of Health review. An individual ambulance service may have additional requirements beyond these competencies. A list of state-approved courses is noted below; this is not inclusive. The following listing of companies offering training/education is provided only as a service and does not constitute an endorsement by the Emergency Medical Services Program, Office of Rural Health, South Dakota Department of Health.
- BLS for Health Care Providers - American Heart Association
- CPR/AED for the Professional Rescue Course - American Red Cross
- HIPAA Privacy and Security Training
- HIPAA Training for EMS Personnel - Southern Tier Emergency Medical System
- Vector Solutions
- Education and training in c-collar and/or spinal immobilization device placement, stair chair operation, and the safe operation of the ambulance cot as a minimum.
- Utilization of standardized guidelines from the NREMT, EMT textbooks, etc.
Education and training in the general knowledge of the use, location, proper infection control, cleaning, and storage is essential; including, proper radio/cell phone usage, dispatch communications, etc.
- Vector Solutions
- Private EMS/Fire Department lead training