SECTION 310:641-13-14. Air ambulance sanitation requirements

  The following shall apply regarding sanitation standards for all air ambulance services facilities, vehicles, and personnel:

(1)   the interior of the vehicle and the equipment within the vehicle shall be sanitary and maintained in good working order at all times;

(2)   linen shall be changed after each patient is transported and bagged and stored in an outside or separate compartment;

(3)   clean linen, blankets, washcloths, and hand-towels shall be stored in a closed interior cabinet free of dirt and debris,

(4)   freshly laundered linen or disposable linen shall be used on the cots and pillows and changed between patients;

(5)   pillows and mattresses shall be kept clean and in good repair and any repairs made to pillows, mattresses, and padded seats shall be permanent;

(6)   soiled linen shall be placed in a container that deters accidental exposure. Any linen which is suspected of being contaminated with bodily fluids or other potentially hazardous infectious waste shall be placed in an appropriately marked closed container disposal;

(7)   contaminated disposable supplies shall be placed in an appropriately marked or designated container in a manner that deters accidental exposure;

(8)   interior surfaces of vehicles shall be cleaned routinely;

(9)   blankets and hand towels used in any vehicle shall be clean;

(10)   implements inserted into the patient's nose or mouth shall be single-service wrapped and properly stored and handled. When multi-use items are utilized, the local health care facilities should be consulted for instructions in sanitation and handling of such items;

(11)   when a vehicle has been utilized to transport a patient(s) known to the operator to have a communicable disease the vehicle shall be cleansed and all contact surfaces shall be washed with soap and water and appropriate disinfectant. The vehicle should be placed "out of service" until a thorough cleansing is conducted, and;

(12)   all storage spaces used for storage of linens, equipment, medical supplies, and other supplies at the base station shall be kept clean;

(13)   personnel shall be clean, especially hands and fingernails, and well groomed. Clothing worn by personnel shall be clean. The licensee shall provide in each vehicle a means of hand washing for the attendants;

(14)   the oxygen humidifier(s) shall be single use;

(15)   all medications, supplies, and sterile equipment with expiration dates shall be current;

(16)   expired medications, supplies, and sterile equipment shall be discarded appropriately. Tampering, removing, or altering expiration dates on medications, supplies, and equipment is prohibited;

(17)   the station facility, ambulance bays, living quarters, and office areas shall be clean, orderly, and free of safety and health hazards;

(18)   air ambulance vehicles and service facilities shall be free of any evidence of use of lighted or smokeless tobacco products except in designated smoking areas, consistent with the provisions of 310:641-1-4.

[Source: Added at 33 Ok Reg 1529, eff 9-11-16]