S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-7.2200.2202

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-7.2200.2202 - Aircraft

The EMS Agency shall ensure all operations comply with all federal aviation regulations which are adopted by reference, FAA Part 135. The EMS Agency shall ensure each aircraft meets the following specifications:

A. Configured in such a way that the medical Attendants have adequate access for the provision of Patient care within the cabin to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation and maintain the Patient's life support. The EMS Agency shall ensure:

1. The aircraft has an entry that allows loading and unloading without excessive maneuvering (no more than forty-five (45) degrees about the lateral axis and thirty (30) degrees about the longitudinal axis) of the Patient; and

2. The configuration does not compromise functioning of monitoring systems, intravenous lines, and manual or mechanical ventilation.

B. Has at least one (1) stretcher or cot that can be carried to the Patient and allow loading of a supine Patient by two (2) Attendants. The EMS Agency shall ensure:

1. The maximum gross weight allowed on the stretcher or cot (inclusive of Patient and equipment) as consistent with manufacturer's guidelines;

2. The aircraft stretchers and cots, and the means of securing them in-flight, are consistent with federal aviation regulations;

3. The stretcher or cot is sturdy and rigid enough that it can support cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

4. The head of the cot is capable of being elevated at least thirty (30) degrees for Patient care and comfort; and

5. The Patient placement allows for safe personnel egress.

C. Has appropriate communication equipment to ensure both internal crew and air to ground exchange of information between individuals and agencies appropriate to the mission, including at least Medical Control, air traffic control, emergency services (EMS, law enforcement agencies, and fire), and navigational aids;

D. Is equipped with radio headsets that ensure internal crew communications and transmission to appropriate agencies;

E. The pilot is able to control and override radio transmissions from the cockpit in the event of an Emergency situation;

F. Lighting. The EMS Agency shall ensure each Air Ambulance has a supplemental lighting system installed in the aircraft which includes standard lighting and is sufficient for Patient care; The EMS Agency shall ensure:

1. The lighting system includes a self-contained lighting system powered by a battery pack or a portable light with a battery source is available;

2. That red lighting or low intensity lighting may be used in the Patient care area if not able to isolate the Patient care area from effects on the cockpit or on a pilot; and

3. For those flights meeting the definition of "long range," the EMS Agency shall have additional policies in place to address how cabin lighting will be provided during fueling and/or technical stops to ensure proper Patient assessment can be performed and adequate Patient care provided.

G. Has hooks and/or devices for hanging intravenous fluid bags;

H. Rotor Wing Aircraft must have an external landing light and tail-rotor position light;

I. Design does not compromise Patient stability in loading, unloading, or in-flight operations;

J. Temperature. The EMS Agency shall ensure:

1. The interior of the Air Ambulance is climate controlled to avoid adverse effects on Patients and personnel on board;

2. The thermometer is mounted inside the Air Ambulance cabin; and

3. The Air Ambulance cabin temperatures are measured and documented every fifteen (15) minutes during a Patient transport until temperatures are maintained within the range of fifty degrees Fahrenheit (50°F) to ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit (95°F), or ten degrees Celsius (10° C) to thirty-five degrees Celsius (35° C) for aircraft.

K. Electric power outlet. The EMS Agency shall ensure each Air Ambulance aircraft is equipped with an inverter or appropriate power source of sufficient output to meet the requirements of the complete specialized equipment package without compromising the operation of any electrical aircraft or Ambulance equipment. The EMS Agency shall ensure each Air Ambulance maintains extra batteries onboard for critical Patient care equipment.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-7.2200.2202

Added by State Register Volume 46, Issue No. 05, eff. 5/27/2022.