10a ncac 13p .0207       GROUND AMBULANCE: VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

(a)  To be permitted as a Ground 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." The equipment and supplies shall be clean, in working order, and secured in the vehicle;

(3)           other equipment that includes:

(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)           the name of the EMS Provider permanently displayed on each side of the vehicle;

(5)           reflective tape affixed to the vehicle such that there is reflectivity on all sides of the vehicle;

(6)           emergency warning lights and audible warning devices mounted on the vehicle as required by G.S. 20-125. All warning devices shall function properly;

(7)           no structural or functional defects that may adversely affect the patient, the EMS personnel, or the safe operation of the vehicle;

(8)           an operational two-way radio that:

(A)          is mounted to the ambulance and installed for safe operation and controlled by the ambulance driver;

(B)          has the range, radio frequencies, and capabilities to establish and maintain two-way voice radio communication from within the defined service area of the EMS System to the emergency communications center or PSAP designated to direct or dispatch the deployment of the ambulance;

(C)          is capable of establishing two-way voice radio communication from within the defined service area to the emergency department of the hospital(s) where patients are routinely transported and to facilities that provide on-line medical direction to EMS personnel;

(D)          is equipped with a radio control device in the patient compartment capable of operation by the patient attendant to receive on-line medical direction; and

(E)           is licensed or authorized by the FCC;

(9)           permanently installed heating and air conditioning systems; and

(10)         a copy of the EMS System patient care treatment protocols.

(b)  Ground ambulances permitted by the OEMS that do not back up the 911 EMS System shall be exempt from requirements for two-way radio communications as defined in Subparagraph (a)(8) of this Rule. A two-way radio or radiotelephone device such as a cellular telephone shall be available to summon emergency assistance.

(c)  Communication instruments or devices such as data radio, facsimile, computer, or telemetry radio shall be in addition to the mission dedicated dispatch radio and shall function independently from the mission dedicated radio.

History Note:        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;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2024.