[noelchabanel]

The licensed person who gets there first is the primary caregiver and should go in the back to maintain continutity of care. Even if it's an ALS call and the first person to show up is a Basic, the first person there should stay with the patient if it's possible. Other than that, we usually play it by ear, unless an unlicensed person is on the call with us, then that person always drives. If it's a good call for experience and trianing purposes and we have three responders, we often try to have a newer EMT in the back with someone more experienced to help if the call is in their scope of practice. If it's an MVA or a code and the whole squad shows up then the duty crew and a medic if necessary go in the back and whoever else feels like coming along drives. Most of us much prefer to be in the back, that's where the action is......well, unless it's a violent psych patient :eek: In those cases the more senior person always calls rank and drives ;). We try not to discuss who drives and who techs in front of the patient/family though, that is unprofessional. It's best to decide before you get to the call.