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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 29. PUBLIC WELFARE |
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Chapter 29-5. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES |
Section 29-514. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES AGENCY VEHICLES: OPERATING STANDARDS
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514.1 The owner of an emergency medical response vehicle shall maintain the vehicle in good repair and safe operating condition and shall meet the same motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft safety requirements as apply to all vehicles, vessels, or aircraft in the District of Columbia.
514.2The owner of an emergency medical response vehicle shall maintain current District of Columbia motor vehicle safety inspection, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Permit, or Coast Guard Safety Inspection or approved equivalent.
514.3 The owner of an emergency medical response vehicle shall keep exterior surfaces of the vehicle, including windows, mirrors, warning devices, and lights free of dirt and debris.
514.4 The operator of any ground emergency medical response vehicle shall exercise emergency operating privileges, including the use of audible and visible emergency warning devices, in compliance with the laws and regulations of the District of Columbia.
514.5No person shall smoke at any time in an emergency medical response vehicle.
514.6 Except as follows, no person shall possess a firearm, weapon, explosive, or incendiary device on an emergency medical response vehicle:
(a)A sworn law-enforcement officer is authorized to carry a weapon; or
(b)A rescue line gun or other rescue device powered by an explosive charge may be carried on a non-transport response vehicle.
514.7 An emergency medical response vehicle shall only be operated by an individual who is properly trained and licensed.
514.8 Each occupant of a ground emergency response vehicle shall use mechanical restraints as required by the Mandatory Use of Seat Belts Act of 1985, effective December 12, 1985 (D.C. Law 6-73; D.C. Official Code §§ 50-1801, et seq. (2009 Repl.)).
514.9 Equipment and supplies in the patient compartment of an emergency response vehicle shall be stored within a closed and latched compartment or fixed securely in place while not in use.
514.10 While the vehicle is in motion, equipment and supplies at or above the level of the patient's head while supine on the primary ambulance stretcher shall be secured in place to prevent movement.
514.11 An emergency response vehicle shall adhere to the requirements for sanitary conditions and supplies that apply to an emergency medical response vehicle in accordance with standards established and published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
514.12The interior of an emergency medical response vehicle, including storage areas, linens, equipment, and supplies shall be kept clean and sanitary.
514.13Linen or disposable sheets and pillowcases or their equivalent used in the transport of patients shall be changed after each use.
514.14Blankets, pillows, and mattresses used in a ground or air ambulance vehicle shall be kept clean and in good repair.
514.15A device inserted into the patient's nose or mouth that is single-use shall be disposed of after use. A reusable item shall be sterilized or high-level disinfected according to current guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before reuse. Each reusable item, if not individually wrapped, shall be stored in a separate closed container or bag.
514.16 A used sharp item shall be disposed of in a leak-proof, puncture-resistant, and appropriately marked biohazard container (needle-safe device/sharps box) that is securely mounted.
514.17 The operator and staff of an emergency response vehicle shall ensure that after a patient is treated or transported within the vehicle and before the vehicle is occupied by another patient:
(a) Contaminated surfaces shall be cleaned and disinfected using a method recommended by the CDC;
(b) Soiled supplies and used disposable items shall be stored or disposed of in plastic bags, covered containers, or compartments provided for this purpose; and
(c) Regulated waste shall be stored in a red or orange bag or container clearly marked with a biohazard label.
514.18 The EMS agency shall maintain a written policy detailing the procedures to be followed:
(a)If a mechanical failure occurs with an emergency medical response vehicle when responding to an incident;
(b)If a mechanical failure occurs with an emergency medical transport vehicle when transporting a patient;
(c) For completing and filing dated inventory sheets daily to ensure each ambulance is clean, has adequate supplies, and is safe to operate;
(d) For keeping records of all maintenance performed on the vehicle during its service life;
(e) For reporting to DOH any accident with an emergency medical transport vehicle when transporting a patient that results in injury to the patient; and
(f) For reporting to DOH the number of accidents per year involving emergency medical response vehicles, as part of the agency’s annual report, due no earlier than January 1 and not later than March 1 of each year.