Effective: 03-13-23
Supersedes: 02-27-23
Policy: Brewster Ambulance Service recognizes that team-members assigned to administrative positions or Field duties may choose to listen to music, podcasts, or other audio while on duty, so long as it does not interfere with work duties or distract co-workers. Such use is permissible at the manager or supervisor’s discretion within the following guidelines.
Except for a company issued or approved headset used in conjunction with the dispatch radio or a calltaking position, personal ear buds or headset use is not permitted within the Communication Center.
Procedure:
1. Using a single ear bud, headphone, or other listening device is permissible in the following situations:
1.1. When the team member is stationary in a controlled environment free from potential hazards, such as an office setting or the crew-room of an ambulance base station.
1.2. When occupying a company vehicle that is not in motion, such as when posting at a location for a period of time, or when parked near a facility and completing documentation at the conclusion of a response.
2. A personal ear bud or headphone may not be worn (even if it is not playing audio) in the following situations:
2.1. If the wearer’s situational awareness is reduced to the extent that they cannot easily monitor the dispatch radio channel, hear a telephone ringing, doorbell, or other alarms.
2.2. When walking through an active garage or operating near moving vehicles or equipment.
2.3. At the scene of an assigned incident, including a fire stand-by or sporting event;
2.4. When the team-member is within a hospital, nursing home, dialysis center, or other medical facility;
2.5. Any time in the presence of a patient or wheel-chair client.
2.6. An ear bud / headphone should not be worn in place of proper hearing protection in a high noise environment.
3. Generally, a personal ear bud or headphone may not be worn when in a company vehicle that is in motion. However, a very narrow exception may be made when a cellular phone is in the “hands-free” mode for a work related phone call in accordance with the “Cellular Phone / Camera Use” SOP.