1. Each ambulance
placed in service after August 1, 1991, must contain at least 300 cubic feet
(8.5 cubic meters) of space and meet the following requirements:
(a) Have at least 60 inches (152 centimeters)
of headroom above the level of the primary gurney.
(b) Provide a combined total of at least 35
cubic feet (1 cubic meter) of enclosed cabinets for storage, compartments and
shelves conveniently located for medical supplies and equipment and installed
systems as applicable for the level of service intended.
(c) Provide 40 candlepower of interior
lighting at the patient's level in the patient's compartment. The lighting must
be located so that no glare is directed to the driver's compartment or line of
vision while the vehicle is in motion. The lighting must be shielded with a
shatterproof covering which does not reduce the illumination.
(d) Have a bulkhead partition separating the
patient's compartment and the driver's compartment, with a sliding transparent
panel in the bulkhead or a system of intercommunication for the driver and
attendant.
(e) Provide an adequate
seat, equipped with a backrest and a safety belt secured to the floor or
bulkhead at the head of the space for the gurney, from which position the
attendant may observe the patient and the instruments which indicate the
patient's condition during transport.
(f) Contain a squad bench at least 22 inches
(56 centimeters) wide and 72 inches (183 centimeters) long, with a padded top
which is covered in material impervious to moisture, is easily sanitized and
may be hinged at the sidewall for access to storage.
(g) Have the squad bench equipped with at
least three safety belts for use when transporting patients who are ambulatory
or able to sit up.
(h) Provide a
clear walkway of not less than 18 inches (46 centimeters) between the gurney
and the squad bench and at least 25 inches (64 centimeters) of kneeling space
along the side of the primary gurney to allow the attendant to administer care
to a patient.
(i) Provide a system
of heating and air-conditioning in both the driver's and patient's compartments
which is adequate to maintain comfortable levels of temperature and clean air
inside these compartments.
(j) Have
shatterproof glass wherever glass is used in the interior of the patient's
compartment.
(k) Be designed so
that the interior of the patient's compartment is free of any exposed sharp
edges or projections. All the interior finish of the patient's compartment must
be of material that is impervious to soap and water, disinfectant and mildew,
and the finish must be fire resistant.
(l) Have at least one wheeled gurney or
stretcher with three or more straps with which to secure the patient. The head
of the gurney must be equipped with restraints for the upper torso that are
placed over the shoulders of the patient.
(m) Have gurney fasteners which are secured
to the floor or sidewall of the patient's compartment. They must be capable of
quick release, adjustable and stable.
(n) Have all the medical equipment and
supplies in the patient's compartment placed in closed storage or otherwise
secured.
(o) Have a source of power
adequate to operate simultaneously all systems for heating, air-conditioning,
radio communications, interior lighting and devices for audible or visual
warnings while the vehicle is in motion.
(p) Have built-in suction apparatus for use
in maintaining the patient's airway.
(q) Have built-in equipment for supplying and
administering oxygen with a minimum of 122 cubic feet (3.5 cubic meters) of
storage area for oxygen.
2. The equipment for extrication and the
rescue litters must be stored in a secure manner in the patient's compartment
or in the outer walls of the vehicle.
3. Automotive equipment, such as spare tires
and tire chains, may be:
(a) Placed in the
patient's compartment if the equipment is in an area of closed storage which is
easily accessible without removal of the patient; or
(b) Stored in the outer wall if the equipment
is protected from the weather and is easily accessible.
4. An ambulance must have space for storing
medical supplies and equipment applicable to the level of service authorized by
the permit of the service that operates the ambulance.
5. In lieu of having the design and equipment
required by subsections 1, 2 and 3, an ambulance may be configured to meet the
standards established by the United States Department of Transportation in its
specifications designated Docket KKK-A-1822F dated August 1, 2007, which are
hereby adopted by reference. A copy of those specifications may be obtained
free of charge from General Services Administration, Federal Supply Service
Bureau, Specifications Section, Suite 8100, 470 East L'Enfant Plaza, S.W.,
Washington D.C. 20407.
6. Any
ambulance which was in service on or before August 1, 1991, is not subject to
the requirements set forth in subsections 1, 2 and 3.
Bd. of Health,
Ambulance Reg. §§ 9.1-9.6, eff. 2-28-80-NAC A 10-14-82; 8-22-86;
8-1-91; R182-01, 3-5-2002; A by
R024-14,
eff. 10/24/2014
