FAQs
Q: What are the benefits of using Keep Safe Transportation Services vs an ambulance transport?
A: Keep Safe Transportation Services offers a safer alternative for
mental health patient transport. The open construction of an ambulance
allows the possibility that a patient could attempt to gain access to the
driver, open the doors while the vehicle is in motion, or use any of the
medical equipment as a weapon. The vehicles used by KSTS are
specifically designed to transport mental health patients, therefore there
are no objects within reach of the patient that could be used as a weapon.
The safety door and window locks prevent the possibility that the patient
could attempt to exit the vehicle while it is in motion.
Q: What is your service area?
A: We can transport a mental health patient anywhere in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We also have the ability to transport
out of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Q: What kind of vehicles do you use to transport your patients?
A: We currently have six vehicles. Four of them are former police
vehicles. All six are equipped with a security partition, and safety door
locks and windows that can only be operated by the driver. We also have for Wheelchair Vans available for wheelchair bound patients and two of them are capable of ambulance litters for bedbound patients. We also have a van for patients that are ambulatory.
Q: Do you ever use restraints with your transports?
A: It is rare that we would use handcuffs with a transport. The verbal
de-escalation techniques we use greatly reduce the need for physical
restraints. They would only be used as a last resort to ensure the safety
of the patient and the transporter.
Q. How do I set up transport?
A. You can call (570) 660-2114. You may also email: alan.sementelli@gmail.com. A contract may have to be in place first.
Q: What kind of training does your staff have?
A: All transporters have CPR and First Aid training. Most are EMTs who
have also taken the Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC).
Q: Can a family member ride along?
A: Yes, but the following conditions must be met:
1. The patient must agree to it.
2. The family member is responsible for finding his or her own transportation
home.
After we drop off your loved one, many times we will pick up another
patient. Due to privacy laws (HIPPA) you would not be permitted to
ride along with that patient.