I
Operations

Incident Report

Definition
A formal document used to record any unexpected event, accident, injury, or behavioral issue that occurs during a trip.

Overview

Why it Matters

This is your primary legal defense. If a patient claims 6 months later that they were injured in your van, the Incident Report (or lack thereof) will determine the lawsuit outcome.

How it Works

The driver must report the incident to dispatch immediately. A form is filled out detailing the Who, What, Where, When, and Witness statements.

Code Comparison

Comparison: Incident vs. Accident

Accident: A vehicle collision.

Incident: A broader term including accidents, but also patient falls, seizures, vomiting, or verbal abuse.

Common Questions

  • Subjectivity: Writing "The passenger was crazy" (Opinion) instead of "The passenger yelled profanities and struck the window" (Fact).
  • Late Reporting: Filing the report 2 days later, making the details suspect in court.
  • Digitize this process. Drivers should be able to submit an incident report (with photos) directly from their driver app.
  • Train drivers that "If you think you might need to report it, report it."

Sources

NEMT Compliance Standards (Generic)