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When we think about building codes and EMS, our first thoughts may be to the handicapped accessibility provisions of the code. Most of us are familiar with wheelchair ramps and elevators in high-rise buildings, but there is a lot more.

 

First of all, there are many general safety provisions in the International Building Code and the International Residential Code, otherwise known as the I-Codes. Both of these codes are utilized for construction throughout most states and are developed by the International Code Council (ICC). Over many code development cycles, detailed safety provisions have been incorporated into the I-Codes. We now take for granted important safety features such as evenly constructed stairs and proper handrails. The I-Codes require specific and consistent stair tread widths and riser heights.

 

Think about how may serious falls these very simple construction requirements have prevented. Railings are required around decks and porches when they are more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below in order to prevent accidental falls. The I-Codes require properly spaced balusters in railings that will not allow a 4-inch sphere to fit through. That means spacing will be close enough together to prevent a toddler or young child from getting their head stuck or falling through. There are requirements for fencing and special gates around pools to prevent drowning, and there are new requirements in the 2009 edition of the I-Codes that require protection around pool filter intakes, where people have become entrapped and drowned. With these few examples, I think you can begin to appreciate that building codes are intended for much more than just providing protection from catastrophic events, such as fire, hurricanes or earthquakes.

 

For those of you working in the EMS field or with the responsibility for providing EMS within your community as a Chief, Commissioner, or other official, there are some other important issues worthy of further discussion. When you respond to an EMS call, are you able to quickly locate the address and are you able to drive your ambulance or first response vehicle close to the building? While the building codes typically refer to “fire lanes,” these designated areas are typically utilized by EMS vehicles, and rightly so. Proper street signs and posted addresses are as much for EMS as for fire emergences. If you have difficulties with address posting or emergency access in your community, why not work with your building official or fire marshal to correct the problem? That’s part of their job and the International Building Code and International Fire Code each contain provisions that are intended to assist all emergency first responders in locating and accessing an emergency location.

 

Have you ever been on an EMS call where you had difficulty getting through security measures, such as with gated communities or secured apartment buildings or condominiums? We all know that any delay in reaching your patient can adversely affect the outcome of that call. Again, the International Building and Fire Code have requirements to allow all first responders quick and unrestricted building access during emergencies. If you are fire service-based EMS, applying the International Fire Code requirements is simple. If you’re not fire service-based EMS, work with your local building code official as they are the best resource to have any problems properly and permanently corrected.

 

Are there other things that the International Building, Residential, or Fire Code could address to make your job safer or easier? Have you ever had difficulty moving a stretcher and patient safely out of a building or residence? Are things like door width and stairway configuration important for facilities with occupants that may require EMS? Should elevator cars be large enough to accommodate a patient stretcher and crew members? Should there be some recognized standard for “medical assistance alert devices” installed in buildings, just like there are standards for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms? If you believe there are further improvements that can be made in the International Building and Fire Codes to improve EMS response and/or patient safety, why not get involved in the code development process?

 

The ICC develops its model codes through a consensus process where anyone can submit a proposal to change a requirement in any of the I-Codes. If you’re not familiar with the process, contact your local building or fire code official and they can assist you with moving your “idea” to a proposal in proper code language. For further information, you can also visit the ICC web site at www.iccsafe.org.

 

The purpose of the International Building Code is to provide a minimum level of public safety in the built environment and the International Fire Code expands on that intent to provide for the safety of emergency first responders. If you have identified specific areas where a building or fire code change could improve safety for patients and/or EMS personnel, you would be doing a great public service by submitting your proposal for national consideration. If your proposal becomes part of the code, just think of the positive impact on public and EMS safety that would have for your jurisdiction and across the entire country!