N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.9

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:40-6.9 - Spine boards, orthopedic litter and splints

(a) Each BLS ambulance shall be equipped with the following:

1. One long spine board made of impervious, inflexible material, 72 inches long by 16 inches wide with associated strap holes and full-length three-quarter inch runners, or another configuration that protects the crewmembers' hands from injury during patient movement;

2. A commercially available vest-type upper spinal immobilization device (for example, K.E.D.(R)), approved by the FDA for utilization by EMT-Basics;

3. Four straps, measuring two inches wide by nine feet long with quick release type metal buckles. ("Slide-through" type strongly recommended.) Velcro(R)-type closures shall not be utilized. The vehicle may substitute three clip-on type straps in place of the required straps if the vehicle is equipped with a long spine board that utilizes such straps. A commercial backboard restraint may also be substituted for the straps;

4. One orthopedic litter at least 78 inches long (when extended) by at least 16 inches wide. It shall open/close (separate/rejoin) along its long axis into two halves;

5. Six rigid cervical collars of a type approved by the FDA for pre-hospital utilization by EMT-Basics (for example, StifNeck(R) or Philadelphia-type) in at least three different sizes, one of which shall be of a size to accommodate pediatric patients;

6. One head restraint system, utilized to immobilize a patient's head while the patient is restrained on a backboard, of a type approved by the FDA for pre-hospital utilization by EMT-Basics. Sandbags shall not be utilized as spinal immobilization devices;

7. A minimum of six splinting devices (for example, padded board splints which are impervious to bodily fluids, blood and other potentially infectious materials, selected commercial fracture products), in a variety of sizes suitable for splinting arms and/or legs; and

8. One adult size, lower extremity traction splint approved by the FDA for pre-hospital utilization by EMT-Basics, complete with all associated straps, heel stand windlass, and accessories, or other devices approved by the Commissioner.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.9