Drive Friendly Document

Our Emergency Response Physician Vehicle ERP1

KERPA is a Canadian Registered Charity that sends a qualified Emergency Response Physicians directly to the scene of critical or life threatening 911 calls. We send our physician in a dedicated emergency vehicle called “ERP1” – it’s orange, white and black. It contains all the equipment needed to save lives at the roadside and is registered as an Emergency Services vehicle.

Why Does Our Vehicle Have Lights And Sirens, And When Do We Use Them?

KERPA only attends life threatening 911 calls. Therefore using an Emergency Service vehicle is paramount to us getting to you in a safe and timely manner. When responding to a call we are required by law to use our lights and sirens. Since we only respond to calls with an imminent threat to life we always respond with our lights and sirens. Yes we are loud – but our hearts are even louder.

What Sort Of Emergency Calls Is KERPA Dispatched To?

KERPA is dispatched to many different types of calls. These vary from motor vehicle accidents, seizures, drug overdoses, allergic reactions to cardiac arrests.

What Do We Carry In Our Vehicle?

We carry lots of equipment you would likely see in an Emergency Department. This includes a cardiac monitor, portable ultrasound machine, pelvic binders, femoral splints, intravenous fluids and medications. 

What Driver Training Does Your Physicians Have?

Our physicians must hold a valid BC drivers license and are required to complete an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) or equivalent every 2 years. This includes over 30 hours of instruction, a written exam and driver exam at the end of the course. In addition, on a yearly basis all ERP vehicle operators need to submit their ICBC Drivers abstract as part of their yearly credentialing review. Safety is of utmost importance to everyone working here at KERPA.

What Policies Does KERPA Have In Place To Ensure Safety On Emergency Responses?

KERPA has an extensive Surface Standards Policy Document (24 pages long !!) which highlights the responsibility we have to our local community and patients in responding to emergency calls. Our ERP vehicle operators are held to the highest standards and our policy reminds them that all times to “remain cognizant of their role as a public servant to save lives, help critically ill and injured patients & support the Emergency Services. The actions of our ERP vehicle operators need to be exemplary.”     

What Can The Public Do To Help Us When They See Our ERP 1 Vehicle Responding To An Emergency Call?

In British Columbia, motorists are required to take the following actions:

  • Slow down and if safe to do so move over
  • If traveling in a 80 km/h or faster speed zone, drivers must slow down to 70 km/h
  • In a less than 80 km/h speed zone, drivers must slow down to 40 km/h