Who has the authority to send an air ambulance to the scene of an incident in Santa Clara County?

The correct choice reflects the established protocols in Santa Clara County for initiating air ambulance transport. In emergency medical situations, the authority to dispatch an air ambulance typically rests with the County Communications Center. This ensures that calls for air medical support are handled by trained personnel who assess the situation based on established criteria, including the urgency of the medical need and the conditions at the incident scene.

The decision to send an air ambulance is usually made considering various factors such as the location of the emergency, traffic conditions, and the clinical status of the patient. County Communications plays a critical role in coordinating these resources effectively, ensuring that air emergency services are deployed as necessary to enhance patient outcomes.

The other entities mentioned serve important roles within the EMS ecosystem but do not have the specific authority to directly send air ambulances. For instance, while the EMS Duty Chief oversees EMS operations and may provide guidance during incidents, they do not typically make the call for air transport. Similarly, local fire departments often assist with on-scene management and medical care, but they coordinate through County Communications for air ambulance requests. The state emergency management office focuses on broader emergency management strategies and does not engage in the on-the-ground details of dispatching air ambulances in specific incidents.