Current through Register Vol. 39, No. 6, September 16, 2024
(a) To be permitted as a Convalescent
Ambulance, a vehicle shall have:
(1) a
patient compartment that meets the following interior dimensions:
(A) the length, measured on the floor from
the back of the driver's compartment, driver's seat or partition to the inside
edge of the rear loading doors, is at least 102 inches; and
(B) the height is at least 48 inches over the
patient area, measured from the approximate center of the floor, exclusive of
cabinets or equipment;
(2) patient care equipment and supplies as
defined in the "North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians: Standards for
Medical Oversight and Data Collection," incorporated by reference in accordance
with G.S. 150B-21.6, including
subsequent amendments and editions. This document is available from the OEMS,
2707 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-2707, at no cost. The
equipment and supplies shall be clean, in working order, and secured in the
vehicle;
(3) other equipment
including:
(A) one fire extinguisher mounted
in a quick release bracket that is either a dry chemical or all-purpose type
and has a pressure gauge; and
(B)
the availability of one pediatric restraint device to safely transport
pediatric patients and children under 40 pounds in the patient compartment of
the ambulance;
(4)
permanently installed heating and air conditioning systems; and
(5) a copy of the EMS System patient care
treatment protocols.
(b)
Convalescent Ambulances shall:
(1) not be
equipped, permanently or temporarily, with any emergency warning devices,
audible or visual, other than those required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards;
(2) have the name of the
EMS Provider permanently displayed on each side of the vehicle;
(3) not have emergency medical symbols, such
as the Star of Life, block design cross, or any other medical markings,
symbols, or emblems, including the word "EMERGENCY," on the vehicle;
(4) have the words "CONVALESCENT AMBULANCE"
lettered on both sides and on the rear of the vehicle body; and
(5) have reflective tape affixed to the
vehicle such that there is reflectivity on all sides of the vehicle.
(c) A two-way radio or
radiotelephone device such as a cellular telephone shall be available to summon
emergency assistance for a vehicle permitted as a convalescent
ambulance.
(d) The convalescent
ambulance shall not have structural or functional defects that may adversely
affect the patient, the EMS personnel, or the safe operation of the
vehicle.
Authority
G.S.
131E-157(a);
143-508(d)(8);
Temporary Adoption Eff. January 1, 2002;
Eff. April 1,
2003;
Amended Eff. January 1, 2009; January 1, 2004;
Pursuant to
G.S.
150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without
substantive public interest Eff. February 2,
2016.
