If paramedics determine that an inmate needs to be transported to a medical facility for additional treatment by a physician, an armed Deputy shall accompany the inmate in the ambulance. The paramedics will call the necessary ambulance company that has contracted with the County. The use of an ambulance shall be only for transporting sick and/or injured in-custody patients requiring emergency medical care. The Branch Supervisor shall determine who will be the escorting Deputy. If the inmate is a female, it is preferable that a female Deputy be assigned. The Deputy shall ride in the back of the ambulance with the inmate, if conditions allow. In most cases, the inmate should be handcuffed to the ambulance stretcher. A record of the time of departure from the court facility shall be noted.
When paramedics do not feel that an emergency exists or that an ambulance is necessary, but recommend that the individual be taken to a hospital or doctor, the Branch Supervisor shall make arrangements to provide necessary transportation by department vehicle.
If a second Deputy is assigned to follow the ambulance in a radio car, all Code-3 procedures should be adhered to. Refer to Manual of Policy and Procedures.