OAR 333-255-0080: Air Ambulance Configuration and Survival Equipment Requirements

(1) An air ambulance in operation must comply with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations contained in Part 135, and ORS chapter 682. (2) An air ambulance must be maintained in good operating order and maintenance records kept and made available for inspection by the Oregon Health Authority (Authority): (a) The aircraft must have: (A) A climate control system to prevent temperature extreme that would adversely affect patient care; (B) Interior lighting, so that patient care can be given and patient status monitored. The interior lighting must not interfere with the pilot's operation of the aircraft; (C) At least one outlet per patient and current for 110 volts (50/60 cycle) alternating current or other current which is capable of operating all electrically-powered medical equipment; (D) A back-up source of electric current or batteries capable of operating all electrically-powered life support equipment for a minimum of one-hour; (E) An adequate door to allow loading and unloading of a patient without rotating the patient and stretcher more than 30 degrees about the longitudinal (roll) axis or 45 degrees about the lateral (pitch) axis; (F) A configuration that allows the medical personnel access to the patient in order to begin and maintain treatment modalities. There must always be complete access to the patient's head and upper body for effective airway management; (G) The stretcher and medical equipment placed in a manner that shall not impede rapid egress by personnel or patient from the aircraft; (H) Communications equipment to ensure both internal crew and air-to-ground exchange of information between individuals and agencies appropriate to the mission. Scene response aircraft must be able to communicate with emergency medical services (EMS) and law enforcement personnel at the scene; and (I) An installed self-activating emergency locator transmitter. (b) The aircraft must have survival equipment for crew members and patient consisting of: (A) Clothes for the season and area to be served; (B) Thermal (space) blanket; (C) Plastic tarp, at least 5 feet x 7 feet; (D) Signal mirror; (E) Compass; (F) Canned smoke signal, or flare pistol and flares or pencil-flares; (G) Flashlight or headlamp; (H) Orange signal banner; (I) Noise maker (whistle); (J) Drinkable water (minimum of three liters) or intravenous fluid; (K) Emergency food rations supplying at least 3,000 calories per person; (L) Waterproof matches or fire-starting equipment; and (M) Fire extinguisher (ABC rating). (3) The aircraft owner who does not own their medical equipment or employ their medical personnel, must have on file with the Authority a copy of the signed and dated agreement or contract with the agency that does provide either the medical personnel or medical equipment to be used on the air ambulance. The signed and dated agreement or contract must be filed annually or whenever substantive changes are made, whichever is more frequent.