OAR 333-250-0290: Communications and Dispatch

(1) The licensed ambulance service is responsible for: (a) Having a valid license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate an EMS radio on assigned frequencies, or proper authorization from another agency holding a valid FCC license to operate on designated radio frequencies; (b) Having 24-hour-a-day telephone answering, or 24-hour-a-day telephone and text-to-9-1-1 answering, and dispatching capabilities or having a signed agreement or contract with a recognized primary or secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), that will provide telephone answering, or telephone and text-to-9-1-1 answering, and emergency dispatching services; (c) Providing a reliable means of alerting and communicating with an ambulance crew before, during and after an ambulance call; (d) Immediately routing all emergency calls received from the public on any of the licensed ambulance service's 10-digit telephone number or if received by text to the primary PSAP. When a licensed ambulance service receives a request for an emergency ambulance and the licensed ambulance service is a recognized secondary PSAP, the licensed ambulance service shall dispatch the ambulance and notify the primary PSAP for coordination of other emergency responder agencies; (e) Ensuring that any request for an ambulance received on the licensed ambulance service's 10-digit telephone number or if received by text is answered or responded to by a live person or that there is an answering machine referring the caller to the appropriate emergency telephone number; and (f) Maintaining ambulance dispatch records as prescribed in ORS 820.330 and 820.340. The records must be kept by the licensed ambulance service or the licensed ambulance service must have a signed agreement with the PSAP, service or agency that provides telephone answering, or telephone and text-to-9-1-1 answering, and dispatching services that they will maintain and make available copies of the official dispatch records for a minimum of seven years. (2) When the licensed ambulance service employs dispatchers for the purpose of answering the telephone or responding to text-to-9-1-1, taking information regarding the need for an ambulance and dispatching the ambulance, the dispatcher must be certified and maintain active certification by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training in accordance with OAR chapter 259, division 008. (3) An air ambulance must meet Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR), 14 CFR Part 135, Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft.