NAC450B.550. Ambulance: Design and equipment.

     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 of endorsement.

     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-1822 D dated November 1, 1994, 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)