N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.13

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

Section 8:40-6.13 - Two-way communications

(a) Each BLS ambulance shall be equipped with communications equipment, including at least one mobile radio, with the following minimum features:

1. Two-way, VHF high-band with Effective Radiated Power (ERP) as approved by the FCC;

2. Selection, transmission and receipt on each of the required JEMS radio frequencies from the driver's compartment;

3. Transmission and receipt of each of the required JEMS radio frequencies from the patient compartment. While only one radio is required, there shall be a microphone and speaker in both the driver and the patient compartments; and

4. A functional, dual-tone, multi-frequency encoder in either the driver's or the patient compartment.

(b) Each BLS ambulance utilized to provide emergency response shall be equipped with at least one portable radio with the following minimum features:

1. Two-way, VHF high-band with ERP as approved by the FCC; and

2. Selection, transmission and receipt on each of the required JEMS radio frequencies.

(c) All radios shall be capable of transmitting and receiving on the following JEMS frequencies with automatic Continuous Tone Coded Sub-audible Squelch (CTCSS) disable in carrier squelch mode:

1. 155.340 MHz (JEMS 2 frequency/BLS ambulance-to-Emergency Department);

2. 155.280 MHz (JEMS 3 frequency/Statewide EMS coordination); and

3. 153.785 MHz (JEMS 4 or SPEN 4 frequency/Statewide public safety coordination for police, fire and EMS).

(d) In addition, radios carried on BLS ambulances utilized to provide emergency response shall be capable of transmitting and receiving on the JEMS 1 frequency (local EMS dispatch and CTCSS as listed in Appendix A of this chapter).

1. The JEMS 1 frequency shall not be utilized in two-way communications to, or from, any BLS ambulance for any purpose other than access to a regional coordinating center to obtain mutual aid or advanced life support care, or for the dispatch of BLS ambulances providing emergency response to a municipal jurisdiction (other business uses are prohibited).

(e) The JEMS 2 frequency shall only be utilized for essential communications between a BLS ambulance and either the Emergency Department of a general hospital or a regional communications center.

(f) The JEMS 3 frequency shall only be utilized for essential communications between cooperating BLS ambulances and as a secondary dispatch channel for BLS ambulances providing emergency response to a municipal jurisdiction.

(g) The JEMS 4 frequency shall only be utilized for purpose of Statewide public safety coordination for police, fire and EMS.

(h) None of the UHF radio frequencies known as "Med 1" through "Med 10" and "MED A" through "MED X" shall be utilized in two-way communications to, or from, any BLS ambulance.

(i) All two-way communications shall comply with all applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. The Department shall be provided with a copy of any FCC license(s) issued to the provider.

(j) No provider shall engage in any communications activity that causes harmful interference with the EMS communications system.

(k) A provider that is a participant in a local, county or regional disaster plan shall have the appropriate two-way communications elements that would enable it to carry out its role under the plan.

(l) Any radio carried or installed in compliance with this chapter shall have either a succinct list of frequencies attached (if portable) or in the immediate proximity (if installed), or shall have an alpha-numeric display of the frequency selected either by listing the frequency or the common name (for example, "JEMS 2" may be substituted for 155.340 MHz).

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.13