N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 8:40-6.8 - Patient transport devices

(a) Each BLS ambulance shall be equipped with:

1. A wheeled patient litter for the transport of stretcher-bound patients. The litter shall be at least 72 inches long (when flat) and at least 20 inches wide. The litter shall have a commercially manufactured stretcher mattress. The litter and mattress shall be adjustable from a flat to a semi-sitting position. The litter shall be adjustable from a minimum height of nine to 18 inches to a maximum height of 33 to 40 inches measured to the top of the mattress. There shall be clean linens on the litter;

2. A portable stretcher for the safe transport of stretcher-bound patients up and down flights of stairs. The stretcher may be of the Reeves(R) type, folding type or of the combination stretcher/stair-chair type. Reeves(R)-type stretchers are required on BLS ambulances utilized to provide emergency response; and

3. A portable stair-chair for the safe transport of patients up and down flights of stairs. A combination stretcher/stair-chair device shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of both (a)2 above and this paragraph.

(b) Each patient litter and portable stretcher shall have three sets of two-inch wide patient restraints with quick release buckles positioned at the chest, waist and knees. The quick release buckles may be of the "slide through" or "metal to metal" type. (Reeves(R)-type stretchers may have other types of buckles.) Each stair-chair shall have two sets of two-inch wide safety restraints with quick release metal buckles. Velcro(R)-type closures shall not be utilized.

(c) When the vehicle is in motion, all occupied litters and stretchers shall be restrained by a litter fastener. The litter fastener shall be certified by the manufacturer to comply with AMD Standard 004-Litter Retention System in effect at the time of manufacture.

(d) Wheelchairs shall not be utilized or transported in a BLS ambulance while it is "in-service."

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.8