N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.7

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

Section 8:40-6.7 - Aspirator/suction equipment

(a) Each BLS ambulance shall be equipped with both an installed and a portable aspirator.

1. Each aspirator shall be equipped with a non-breakable collection bottle and at least three feet of transparent or translucent non-collapsible suction tubing with an interior bore of at least one-quarter inch. Three-eighths of an inch bore is recommended. There shall be at least one Yankauer-type suction instrument and at least eight suction catheters for each aspirator, in not less than four assorted adult and pediatric sizes. At least one catheter shall be a size "8" and one shall be a size "18." An infant bulb syringe, in addition to the one carried in the obstetrical kit, shall also be carried.

2. The installed aspirator shall be powered by the vehicle's electrical system and shall be securely mounted and located so as to allow easy access for aspiration of any stretcher bound patient. The aspirator shall provide a flow rate of at least 30 liters per minute at the end of the suction tube and a vacuum pressure of at least 300 mmHg within four seconds and a maximum vacuum pressure of at least 400 mmHg during the entire normal range of vehicle operation.

3. The portable aspirator shall be powered by an integral battery. The aspirator shall provide a flow rate of at least 25 liters per minute at the end of the suction tube and a vacuum pressure of at least 300 mmHg within four seconds and a maximum vacuum pressure of at least 400 mmHg for at least 20 minutes. BLS ambulances that utilize aspirators that are powered by field replaceable batteries shall carry a sufficient supply of batteries to permit the device to operate continuously and, in accordance with Federal Specifications for Ambulances, KKK-A-1822, "Portable Suction Aspirator," to meet the flow and vacuum pressure requirements for at least 20 minutes.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:40-6.7