SECTION 310:641-17-9. Stretcher van vehicles

(a)   A stretcher van vehicle may not be permitted by the Department prior to the submission and approval of all required documentation, fees, and a Department inspection.

(b)   Authorized stretcher van vehicles of licensed services shall be in good mechanical and serviceable condition at all times, so as to not be hazardous to the passenger(s) or crewmembers. If, in the determination of the Department, a vehicle does not meet this requirement, it may be removed from service until repairs are made.

(c)   Authorized stretcher van vehicles of licensed services shall be tested for interior carbon monoxide, in a manner acceptable to the Department. Carbon monoxide levels of more than ten parts per million (10ppm) shall be considered in excess and shall render the vehicle "out of compliance". Vehicles shall be removed from service if carbon monoxide levels exceed fifty parts per million (50ppm) and until repairs are made to reduce the amounts of carbon monoxide below ten parts per million (10ppm).

(d)   A class "S" permit shall be affixed to a vehicle in compliance and utilized as a stretcher van vehicle.

(e)   Stretcher van vehicles shall place a permit or inspection decal affixed by the Department. These decals shall be placed in the driver side rear window unless it is impossible or impractical to place in this area.

(f)   Stretcher van vehicles are not ambulances, and may not be authorized as emergency vehicles within Title 47, relating to definitions of emergency vehicles.

(g)   Violations that may justify immediate removal of a vehicle permit include:

(1)   inadequate sanitation, including the presence of contamination by blood and or bodily fluids,

(2)   inoperable heater or air conditioner as detailed within the vehicle manufacturing standards and specifications,

(3)   inoperable AED,

(4)   tires that do not meet Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Chapter 12 requirements,

(5)   carbon monoxide levels greater than fifty (50) parts per million,

(6)   lapse of vehicle liability insurance,

(7)   lapse of worker compensation insurance,

(8)   inability to affix a class S" permit to the vehicle,

(9)   vehicle that does not comply with statutory safety equipment found in Title 47.

(10)   If such violation is not or cannot be corrected immediately, any affected vehicle shall be removed from service and the ambulance permit shall be removed until such time the vehicle is compliant and has been re-inspected and permitted by the Department.

(h)   The stretcher van vehicle must utilize a stretcher or gurney and locking system that meets or manufactures standards

(i)   Stretcher van vehicles purchased after the effective date of these amendments shall comply with the following:

(1)   a mounted seat with seatbelts for the passenger attendant in the passenger compartment or area of the vehicle,

(2)   mounted cabinets for the purpose of storing supplies and equipment,

(3)   mounted and rear loading lights,

(4)   the capability to contact 911 should an emergency arise while transporting a passenger, and

(5)   display exterior markings identifying the vehicle as a stretcher van and the business name in six (6) inch letters in a contrasting color on the rear and sides of the vehicle,

(6)   brackets or other retaining system for securing oxygen cylinders on the gurney and within the stretcher van, and

(7)   modifications made to stretcher van vehicles after initial testing may require the vehicle to undergo new AMD 004, 012, and/or 013 standard testing.

(j)   A stretcher van shall meet Ambulance Manufacturers Division (AMD) Standards 004, 012, and 013, and shall pass corresponding safety tests. Stretcher vans must not have functioning emergency lights or sirens.

(k)   Documentation of vehicle safety testing or manufacturer certification must be maintained in agency files.

[Source: Amended and renumbered from 310:641-3-48.2 at 33 Ok Reg 1529, eff 9-11-16; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1423, eff 9-11-20]