Medstar Ambulance of Mendocino County, Inc.

A California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation

Terms of Use

Effective Date: July 1, 2025  |  Last Revised: July 2026

Applies to: medstarmendocino.org, associated mobile applications, SMS campaigns, and guest Wi-Fi

1.  Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the digital services and network infrastructure operated by Medstar Ambulance of Mendocino County, Inc. (“Medstar,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. This includes:

• The Medstar website at medstarmendocino.org and all associated subdomains and pages
• Online forms, portals, and payment pages
• SMS/MMS text messaging services and campaigns
• Guest Wi-Fi networks at Medstar facilities and in Medstar vehicles
• Any mobile applications operated by Medstar

By accessing or using any of the above (collectively, “Services”), you confirm that you are at least 13 years of age, that you have read and understood these Terms, and that you agree to be bound by them. If you are using Services on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms. For information about how we collect and use personal data, please review our Privacy Policy at medstarmendocino.org/privacy.

2.  Use of the Website and Online Services

2.1  Permitted Use

You may use our website and online services for lawful purposes consistent with these Terms. Permitted uses include, but are not limited to:

• Obtaining information about Medstar services and community resources
• Enrolling in or renewing a Medstar Membership
• Making charitable donations
• Registering for CPR, first aid, or other training classes
• Submitting employment applications
• Contacting Medstar with questions or feedback

2.2  Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to use our Services to:

• Violate any applicable federal, state, or local law or regulation
• Transmit any content that is false, misleading, defamatory, harassing, or threatening
• Impersonate any person, entity, or Medstar representative
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any Medstar system, network, or data
• Introduce malware, viruses, or other malicious code
• Scrape, harvest, or systematically collect data from our website without written permission
• Interfere with the operation or security of our website or services
• Use our SMS opt-in contact information to send unsolicited commercial messages

2.3  Account and Form Submissions

If you create an account (e.g., a member account through our membership platform) or submit forms through our Services, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your credentials and for all activity associated with your account. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access. We are not liable for losses resulting from unauthorized account use where you have failed to safeguard your credentials.

3.  SMS Messaging Terms

3.1  Campaign Description

Medstar operates text message communications for the following purposes:

• Employee communications: shift scheduling notifications and CAD (computer-aided dispatch) call alerting
• Applicant communications: application status updates for prospective employees
• Inbound response: replies to text messages initiated by members of the public, patients, or community members

3.2  Consent Requirement

We send SMS messages only to individuals who have affirmatively opted in. Consent is obtained through our online employment application form, which includes a clearly labeled, unchecked opt-in checkbox; consent obtained at application extends to scheduling and CAD messages upon hire. Individuals who initiate unsolicited contact with us via SMS are considered to have consented to a reply. You understand that consent is not a condition of employment or access to any service.

By providing a mobile phone number, you affirm that the number is accurate and current, that you are the authorized subscriber or owner of that number, and that you will notify us promptly if your contact information changes. To update your number or information, email [email protected]. SMS messaging through this service requires a capable wireless device and participation in a compatible carrier network. You must be at least 18 years of age to consent to receive SMS communications from Medstar.

3.3  Standard Disclosures

3.4  Opt-Out and Help

You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE, or QUIT to any text from us. After opting out, you will receive a single confirmation message and no further texts. Reply START to re-subscribe. Reply HELP for contact information and support. You may also email [email protected] to opt out or request assistance.

Medstar’s SMS service is available on most major U.S. carriers. Not all carriers or devices may support all features. Message and data rates may apply; contact your wireless provider for details.

3.5  No PHI via SMS

We do not transmit Protected Health Information (PHI) via SMS. Do not send PHI, medical records, or confidential patient information via text message to Medstar. Unsolicited PHI received via SMS will not be incorporated into medical records and will be handled in accordance with our HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP).

4.  Guest Wi-Fi Terms

Medstar provides password-protected guest Wi-Fi access at its facilities and in its vehicles as a convenience to employees, visitors, and patients. Networks are identified as Medstar-Guest (facilities) and Medstar-GuestMobile (vehicles). These are not public hotspots; access requires the network password. This service is provided at Medstar’s sole discretion and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time, for any reason, without notice. By connecting to a Medstar guest Wi-Fi network, you agree to the following:

• You will use the network for lawful purposes only
• You will not attempt to access systems, networks, or data beyond your authorized access
• You will not conduct illegal activity, transmit harmful content, or engage in network attacks
• You understand that guest Wi-Fi is a shared, password-protected network and is not private or encrypted end-to-end; use of the network is at your own risk
• Security notice: Guest Wi-Fi networks are secured using WPA2/WPA3 encryption between your device and our network, but as a shared network this does not guarantee end-to-end privacy of your internet traffic. Traffic beyond the router may be unencrypted and could be visible to Medstar or vulnerable to advanced attacks. You are responsible for ensuring your own device and data are protected. For sensitive activities, use a VPN or your cellular data connection.
• Deep packet inspection notice: Our network infrastructure utilizes deep packet inspection (DPI) technology for network security, threat detection, and bandwidth management. DPI analyzes traffic characteristics and metadata passing through our systems for these operational purposes. Use of our guest Wi-Fi constitutes acknowledgment of this network monitoring practice. If you prefer not to have your traffic subject to DPI, use your cellular data connection instead.
• Medstar may log connection data including device identifiers, timestamps, and bandwidth usage for network security and operations
• Medstar reserves the right to terminate access for violations of these Terms or applicable law

Medstar does not guarantee the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of your communications or data while using this network and is not responsible for the security of data transmitted over it.

5.  Recording and Monitoring Notice

Medstar operates video recording systems at and around its facilities and in its vehicles, and AI-assisted behavior monitoring systems in its vehicles. Audio recording is disabled on all cameras. These systems are described in detail in our Privacy Policy at medstarmendocino.org/privacy. By accessing Medstar facilities or vehicles, you acknowledge that video recording may be in operation.

Employees, volunteers, and contractors are subject to separate notice and acknowledgment requirements regarding in-vehicle recording and AI-assisted monitoring as a condition of their service with Medstar.

6.  Intellectual Property

All content on the Medstar website and associated materials — including text, images, logos, graphics, and organizational materials — is the property of Medstar Ambulance of Mendocino County, Inc. or its content licensors, and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may access and print materials from our website for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not reproduce, republish, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our content without our express written permission. The Medstar name, logo, and service marks may not be used without written authorization.

7.  Donations and Payments

Charitable donations made through our website or forms are processed by our payment processor on behalf of our membership platform. Medstar is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; donations may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We recommend consulting a tax advisor regarding deductibility.

Membership fees and class registration fees, where applicable, are processed through our PCI-compliant payment processor. Medstar does not store payment card data. Refund requests should be directed to [email protected] and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis consistent with our organizational policies.

8.  Third-Party Services and Links

Our website and services integrate with or link to third-party platforms and service providers. These third-party services are governed by their own terms and privacy policies. Medstar is not responsible for the content, practices, or availability of third-party services. Links to external websites do not constitute endorsement. A current list of our service providers is available in our Privacy Policy at medstarmendocino.org/privacy.

9.  Disclaimer of Warranties

Nothing on our website constitutes medical advice. In a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on our website for emergency medical guidance.

10.  Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable California law, Medstar Ambulance of Mendocino County, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, and volunteers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of or inability to use our Services, even if Medstar has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Medstar’s total liability to you for any claims arising from these Terms or your use of our Services shall not exceed the greater of (a) the amount you paid to Medstar in the twelve months preceding the claim, or (b) one hundred dollars ($100.00). Some jurisdictions do not allow certain liability limitations; this limitation may not apply to you to the extent prohibited by law.

11.  Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Medstar Ambulance of Mendocino County, Inc. and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and volunteers from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from your: (a) use of our Services; (b) violation of these Terms; (c) violation of any applicable law or third-party right; or (d) content you submit through our Services.

12.  Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our Services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Mendocino County, California.

Before pursuing formal legal action, we encourage you to contact us at [email protected] to seek informal resolution. Medstar is a nonprofit serving the community and will make good-faith efforts to resolve concerns promptly.

13.  Modifications to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Revised” date at the top of this document. For material changes, we may provide additional notice on our website. Your continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, discontinue use of our Services.

14.  Termination of Access

Medstar reserves the right to suspend or terminate your access to our Services at any time, with or without cause, for conduct that we determine, in our sole discretion, violates these Terms, applicable law, or is otherwise harmful to Medstar, our employees, or the public. Termination of access does not affect Medstar’s rights with respect to conduct occurring prior to termination.

15.  Severability and Entire Agreement

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Medstar with respect to your use of our Services and supersede any prior agreements on that subject.

16.  Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Use, contact us: