SECTION 310:641-13-12. Operational protocols  


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  • (a)   Air ambulance medical services shall be maintained to provide medical treatment, stability, and transportation to ambulance patients within the capability and capacity of the medical crew and aircraft.
    (b)   Patient related policies and procedures will be maintained at the agency. Documentation reflecting crew training on policies and procedures shall be maintained.
    (c)   A written policy shall be utilized for rapid patient loading and unloading if practiced.
    (d)   A written protocol shall be developed and in place to address the combative patient.
    (1)   Physical and/or chemical restraints shall be available and used for combative patients who potentially endanger himself, the personnel or the aircraft.
    (2)   The written protocol shall address refusal to transport patients, family members or others who may be considered a threat to the safety of the transport personnel.
    (e)   A list of contaminated materials, which could pose a threat to the medical transport team or render transport inappropriate, shall be readily available.
    (f)   The LZ or aircraft operational area shall be a safe distance to avoid any downwind danger when approaching or departing.
    (g)   Each air ambulance service shall have a policy regarding patient screening and under what conditions a request for service would be declined or not accepted.
    (h)   Air ambulance services are not required to meet the duty to act statutory requirements or have 24/7 resource availability.
    (i)   Air ambulances shall operate within a statewide emergency medical response system coordinating pre-hospital and interfacility responses with the appropriate local emergency resources through:
    (1)   the use of the state designated resource status reporting and communication tool to show near real- time availability by using global positioning satellite systems to show where aircraft are located at the time of the request, and
    (2)   coordination with ground personnel to ensure the timeliest response to the patient via radio or telephone contact.
    (j)   Air medical utilization protocols shall be developed and submitted to the Department for review and approval.
[Source: Amended and renumbered from 310:641-3-36 at 33 Ok Reg 1529, eff 9-11-16]