General transportation requirements

An emergency transportation vehicle must:

• Be able to safely transport the first aid attendant and injured worker(s) in a stretcher.

• Provide protection from natural elements and dust.

• Maintain the injured worker's normal body temperature.

• Allow the driver and first aid attendant to communicate effectively.

• Have enough space for the first aid attendant to care for the injured worker. 

• Be designed, maintained, and operated according to Part 17 of the OHS Regulation.

• Meet the requirements for all provincial motor vehicle acts and regulations if it will be operated on a public roadway.

For more details about ETV requirements, see OHS Guidelines G3.16(1).

You may need to provide an industrial ambulance at workplaces when more advanced first aid services and supplies are required.

In addition to the ETV requirements above, an industrial ambulance should also:

• Only be used for first aid treatment and transporting injured workers.

• Only be used under the direction of a first aid attendant.

• Accommodate at least two workers on stretchers.

• Have adequate lighting in the treatment area so that the first aid attendant can conduct assessments and complete documentation without a flashlight.

• Contain a roll cot, properly secured and cushioned against excessive jarring.

A mobile treatment centre (MTC) is an industrial ambulance that can also be used as a dressing station or first aid room. In addition to meeting the ETV and industrial ambulance requirements above, a mobile treatment centre must also have:

• A sink with running water or another system for supplying fresh, potable water
• Minimum headroom of 1.8 metres (6 feet) in the treatment area

• Dressing station equipment

You need to arrange emergency air transportation if your work location is only accessible by air. You should also arrange air transportation or if travel to hospital by land will take more than two hours.

If air transportation is the primary method for transporting injured workers, you must ensure that:

• Arrangements are made with an air service for a suitable aircraft to be available during working hours.

• There is at least one stretcher in the aircraft, or one stretcher at the workplace that is compatible with the aircraft.

• You confirm the availability of the aircraft before the start of each day.

• The air service notifies you if the aircraft ceases to be available.

• There is a way for the pilot and the first aid attendant to communicate at all times.

For more information about emergency air transportation best practices, see OHS Guidelines G3.17.1.