10a ncac 13p .0208       CONVALESCENT AMBULANCE: VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

(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.

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.