37.01 PURPOSE.
A volunteer municipal ambulance service, referred to in this chapter as "VMAS", is established for the City and community.
Municipal Code
Chapter 37 – Municipal Ambulance Service
Purpose, organization, and duties of the Volunteer Municipal Ambulance Service (VMAS).
Chapter 37
Municipal Ambulance Service
37.02 CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS.
The VMAS department shall adopt bylaws as its Board may deem best and necessary to accomplish the objectives of the department, subject to Council approval. Changes or amendments to the bylaws must be approved by the Council. Where the bylaws are silent or not clear, the Council shall determine policy to accomplish the objects of the department.
37.03 VMAS BOARD.
The VMAS Board is hereby created to oversee the functions and operations of the Volunteer Municipal Ambulance Service. The Mayor shall appoint the number of members of the Board as required in the bylaws with approval of the Council for overlapping terms of three (3) years. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unserved term.
37.04 POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE VMAS BOARD.
The VMAS Board shall have the following powers and duties:
1. Advise Council. Advise and inform the Council on all ambulance service matters in compliance with VMAS bylaws.
2. Authority. Oversee all functions and operations of the VMAS as outlined in the bylaws.
3. Budget. Submit a proposed annual budget no later than the date requested each year by the Council. The VMAS shall be limited to the annual approved budget and shall provide for adequate revenue to cover the associated expenditures of the operation, maintenance and capitalized needs of the service.
4. Reports. Submit all reports to the Council as outlined in the bylaws.
5. Rules and Regulations. Make rules and regulations governing VMAS with the approval of the Council. A copy of the bylaws and rules and regulations shall be on file at the office of the Clerk.
37.05 DIRECTORS OF AMBULANCE SERVICE.
The members of the VMAS shall nominate Directors of the Ambulance Service, and elect the captains and such other officers as the bylaws may provide, but the nomination of the Directors shall be subject to the Board's approval and recommendation to the Mayor for appointment. Appointment by the Mayor shall be subject to approval by the Council.
37.06 DUTIES OF DIRECTORS.
The Directors of the VMAS will be subject to all bylaws of the VMAS and under the direct supervision of the VMAS Board.
37.07 AMBULANCE VOLUNTEER DUTIES.
Volunteers of the VMAS shall be regulated by the VMAS Board and subject to the VMAS bylaws.
37.08 WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE.
The Council shall contract to insure the City against liability for workers compensation and against statutory liability for the cost of hospitalization, nursing and medical attention for volunteer ambulance service workers injured in the performance of their duties. All volunteer ambulance workers shall be covered by the contract.
37.09 LIABILITY INSURANCE.
The Council shall contract to insure against public liability of the City or members of the VMAS for injuries, death or property damages arising out of and resulting from the performance of department duties.
37.10 INJURING EQUIPMENT; INTERFERING WITH VOLUNTEERS.
It is unlawful to hinder any volunteer ambulance worker in the performance of his or her duties. No ambulance volunteer shall take or use any apparatus, tools or equipment for his or her private use. It is unlawful to willfully cut, injure, deface or destroy any VMAS equipment or apparatus.
37.11 COMPENSATION; CHARGES.
The compensation and method of compensation to members of the VMAS and the charges for such ambulance service shall be set by majority vote of the Board, subject to Council approval, from time to time, but said review of compensation and charges shall be done at times no less than that dictated in the bylaws.
37.12 VMAS DEPARTMENT FUNDS.
The City Clerk-Treasurer is responsible for keeping adequate and appropriate books and ledgers concerning all VMAS expenditures, funds and accounts.
37.13 AMBULANCE VOLUNTEERS.
Residents of the Lenox area over eighteen (18) years of age, of good health and possessing or undergoing such other training required by the State of Iowa may be nominated as volunteer ambulance attendants. Nominations shall be submitted by the Director of the Ambulance Service to the Board and unless rejected within thirty (30) days the nominations shall be approved.
37.14 DUTIES OF CITIZENS.
It is the duty of every citizen, in cases of emergency, to obey the orders of any ambulance volunteers and in such cases where a person neglects or refuses to obey such orders, said person will be guilty of a simple misdemeanor for resisting or obstructing an emergency medical care provider.