N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.10

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:40-6.10 - Patient compartment requirements and dimensions

(a) Each vehicle utilized as a BLS ambulance shall have a distinct patient compartment. The patient compartment shall be separated from the driver's seating area by a bulkhead or partition, which may include a passageway.

(b) The patient compartment shall have the following interior dimensions:

1. Height: At least 54 inches between the floor and the ceiling when measured at, or near, the center of the patient compartment;

2. Width: At least 56 inches between the vehicle interior sides when measured at any point 52 inches above the floor. The width of cabinets, etc., shall be included when measurements are made;

3. Length: At least 116 inches between the interior surface of the rear door and the surface of the bulkhead or partition, when measured at floor level; and

4. There shall be an aisle at least 10 inches wide next to the required patient litter.

(c) The patient compartment shall have at least two exterior doorways:

1. The two doorways shall not be adjacent to each other. One doorway shall be at the rear of the vehicle; the other at the curbside of the vehicle. The curbside doorway shall be within the front half of the vehicle;

2. Each doorway opening shall be at least 28 inches wide and at least 44 inches high;

3. At least one patient compartment doorway shall be available for utilization as an emergency exit at all times. Access to the patient compartment doorways shall not be obstructed by any immovable objects;

4. The doors to each patient compartment doorway shall be capable of being opened and utilized from both inside the patient compartment and from the exterior of the vehicle, using a standard automotive industry door handle; and

5. There shall be a window in each door of the patient compartment. Rear windows shall be fixed and non-opening.

(d) The patient compartment shall be equipped with a built-in lighting system. The lighting system shall utilize white or clear lenses. The lighting system shall not interfere with the driver's vision and shall be located so that glare is not reflected into the driver's eyes or line of vision.

(e) The patient compartment shall be equipped with two seats, one of which shall be at the head of the required patient litter and face rearward and the other of which shall be alongside the patient litter. Each seat shall be equipped with an automotive safety belt.

(f) Once a vehicle is licensed by the Department, there shall be no further changes to the vehicle's interior configuration unless and until such changes have been approved, in writing, by OEMS.

(g) Each vehicle shall meet all applicable requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12101.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.10