Ambulance Vehicle and Medical Equipment Inspection Checklist

This comprehensive ambulance vehicle and medical equipment inspection checklist ensures regulatory compliance with NFPA 1917, State EMS Office, DOT, OSHA, KKK-A-1822. Daily pre-shift ambulance inspection covering vehicle operability, medical equipment, medications, airway management, and compliance with state EMS regulations and NFPA 1917 Standard on Automotive Ambulances. Ambulance equipment failures during responses directly jeopardize patient lives. Complete all sections to maintain complianc

  • Industry: Emergency Services
  • Frequency: Per Shift / Daily
  • Estimated Time: 25 minutes
  • Role: Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead
  • Total Items: 21
  • Compliance: NFPA 1917, State EMS Office, DOT, OSHA, KKK-A-1822

Vehicle Operation and Safety Systems

Inspect vehicle per state EMS vehicle standards.

  • Are engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels correct with no warning lights?
  • Are all warning lights, sirens, and headlights functional per state EMS vehicle requirements?
  • Are onboard oxygen cylinders (main and portable) above minimum level (typically 500 PSI) for service?
  • Is mounted suction unit generating required vacuum (>300 mmHg) and portable suction functional?
  • Are radio and mobile data terminal operational and communicating with dispatch?
  • Is fuel tank at minimum three-quarter full for beginning of shift?

Cardiac Monitoring and Defibrillation

Verify cardiac equipment per AHA guidelines and state EMS protocol.

  • Does cardiac monitor/defibrillator power on with battery charge sufficient for shift?
  • Has defibrillator self-test passed (or manual test conducted) per manufacturer schedule?
  • Are defibrillation pads (adult and pediatric), 12-lead cables, and SpO2 sensors present and connected?
  • Is transcutaneous pacing function tested and operational per ALS equipment requirements?
  • Is capnography (ETCO2) monitoring operational with colorimetric and waveform options available?

Airway Management Equipment

Verify airway equipment per state ALS scope of practice.

  • Are adult and pediatric BVMs (Bag-Valve-Masks) present, intact, and free of leaks?
  • Are endotracheal tubes in required sizes with stylets and 10cc syringes for cuff inflation?
  • Does laryngoscope have working light on all required blade sizes?
  • Are supraglottic airways (King LT, LMA, or igel) in required sizes present and within expiration?
  • Is surgical airway kit (needle cric or surgical cric) present per protocol requirements?

Medication Verification and Security

Verify controlled and emergency medications per state protocol.

  • Are all controlled substances secured in locked box, counted, and documented per EMS agency and state policy?
  • Is epinephrine 1:1000 and 1:10,000 present and within expiration date?
  • Have all ambulance medications been checked for expiration and expired drugs removed from service?
  • Are temperature-sensitive medications (epinephrine, atropine) stored within acceptable temperature range?
  • Is naloxone (Narcan) present in required dosage form per state EMS protocol for opioid overdose response?

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Why Use This Ambulance Vehicle and Medical Equipment Inspection Checklist?

This ambulance vehicle and medical equipment inspection checklist helps emergency services teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for station captain / shift commander / ems lead professionals, this checklist covers 21 critical inspection points across 4 sections. Recommended frequency: per shift / daily.

Ensures compliance with NFPA 1917, State EMS Office, DOT, OSHA, KKK-A-1822. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Ambulance Vehicle and Medical Equipment Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 21 inspection items across 4 sections: Vehicle Operation and Safety Systems, Cardiac Monitoring and Defibrillation, Airway Management Equipment, Medication Verification and Security. It is designed for emergency services operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per shift / daily. Each completion takes approximately 25 minutes.

Who should use this Ambulance Vehicle and Medical Equipment Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Station Captain / Shift Commander / EMS Lead professionals in the emergency services industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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