Effective Date

11/03/2004

Effective 11/3/2004 - 10/21/2026

800.26 Equipment requirements for emergency ambulance service vehicles other than an ambulance.

The governing authority of any ambulance service which, as a part of its response system, utilizes emergency ambulance service vehicles other than an ambulance to bring personnel and equipment to the scene, must have policies in effect for equipment, staffing, individual authorization, dispatch and response criteria, and maintain appropriate insurance coverage. (a) A waiver of the equipment requirements for emergency ambulance service vehicles may be granted by the Department when the service provides an acceptable plan to the Department demonstrating how appropriate staff, equipment and vehicles will respond to a call for emergency medical assistance. The affected Regional EMS Councils will be solicited for comment on the service's waiver request. (b) Any emergency ambulance service vehicle other than an ambulance shall be equipped and supplied with emergency care equipment consisting of:

(1) 12 sterile 4 inches x 4 inches gauze pads;

(2) adhesive tape, three rolls assorted sizes;

(3) six rolls conforming gauge bandage, assorted sizes;

(4) two universal dressings, minimum 10 inches x 30 inches;

(5) six 5 inches x 9 inches (minimum size) sterile dressings or equivalent;

(6) one pair of bandage shears;

(7) six triangular bandages;

(8) sterile normal saline in plastic container (1/2 liter minimum) within manufacturer's expiration date;

(9) one air occlusive dressing;

(10) one liquid glucose or equivalent;

(11) disposable sterile burn sheet;

(12) sterile obstetric kit;

(13) blood pressure sphygmomanometers cuff in adult and pediatric sizes and stethoscope;

(14) three rigid extrication collars capable of limiting movement of the cervical spine. These collars shall include small, medium and large adult sizes; and

(15) carrying case for essential equipment and supplies.

(c) Oxygen and resuscitation equipment consisting of:

(1) portable oxygen with a minimum 350 liter capacity with pressure gauge, regulator and flow meter medical "D" size or larger. The oxygen cylinder must contain a minimum of 1000 pounds per square inch; (2) manually operated self-refilling bag valve mask ventilation devices in pediatric and adult sizes with a system capable of operating with oxygen enrichment and clear adult, and clear pediatric-size masks with air cushion;

(3) four individually wrapped or boxed oropharyngeal airways in a range of sizes for pediatric and adult patients;

(4) two each: disposable non-rebreather oxygen masks, and disposable nasal cannula individually wrapped;

(5) portable suction equipment capable, according to the manufacturer's specifications, of producing a vacuum of over 300 m.m. Hg when the suction tube is clamped and including two plastic large bore rigid pharyngeal suction tips, individually wrapped; and

(6) pen light or flashlight.

(d) A two-way voice communications enabling direct communication with the agency dispatcher and the responding ambulance vehicle on frequencies other than citizens band.

(e) Safety equipment consisting of:

(1) six flares or three U.S. Department of Transportation approved reflective road triangles;

(2) one battery lantern in operable condition; and

(3) one Underwriters' Laboratory-rated five pound ABC fire extinguisher or any extinguisher having a UL rating of 10BC.

(f) Extrication equipment consisting of:

(1) one short backboard or equivalent capable of immobilizing the cervical spine of a seated patient. The short backboard shall have at least two 2 inches x 9 feet long web straps with fasteners unless straps are affixed to the device; and

(2) one blanket.

Effective 10/22/2026

800.26 Equipment requirements for emergency ambulance service vehicles other than an ambulance.

(a) The governing authority of any certified agency which, as a part of its response system, utilizes emergency ambulance service vehicles other than an ambulance, must have policies in effect regarding:

(1) equipment; 

(2) staffing;

(3) individual authorization; 

(4) dispatch; 

(5) response criteria; and 

(6) proof of appropriate insurance coverage. 

The department may define additional policies or requirements as deemed necessary.

(b) All emergency ambulance service vehicles in a certified ambulance service must be equipped pursuant to section 800.24 of this Part, unless otherwise exempted or pursuant a waiver obtained pursuant to section 800.25 of this Part.

(c) Any emergency ambulance service vehicle other than an ambulance must be equipped and supplied with emergency care and safety equipment, including the following: 

(1) Have seat belts on all seats and seating areas in the driver and all passenger seating that meets or exceeds the standards set forth in chapter 301 of title 49 of the United States Code, “Motor Vehicle Safety” (May 2008). The standards set forth in chapter 301 of title 49 of the United States Code, “Motor Vehicle Safety” (May 2008) are hereby incorporated by reference with the same force and effect as if fully set forth herein.  A copy of chapter 301 of title 49 of the United States Code, “Motor Vehicle Safety” (May 2008) is available for inspection and copying at the Regulatory Affairs Unit, New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237.

(2) Have two-way voice communications capability to provide communication with dispatch and medical control at all times. Alternative communication systems are subject to approval of the department as being equivalent in capability.

(3) Have a system in place to provide visual and audible alerts when the vehicle is in reverse motion, and a camera system capable of providing the vehicle operator with view to the rear of the vehicle in reverse motion.

(4) Have at a minimum, a camera or camera system with the following capabilities:

(i) records from the driver’s perspective at least towards the front of the vehicle;

(ii) is activated by “g” force change; 

(iii) is capable of recording pre and post activation; and 

(iv) is capable of recording sounds and video and retain such recording for a period no less than 10 days.

(5) Have any equipment or materials always secured within the vehicle using a commercially manufactured barrier. Any equipment secured using cabinets, straps, drawers, brackets, or any other type of securing method must also be commercially manufactured. 

(6) Equipment that is mounted in a vehicle should not interfere with the functions of safety features such as airbags, seatbelts, or other standard, manufacturer installed safety equipment.

(7) Have an anti-theft device, other than the ignition key or keyless ignition fob, that disables the vehicle from being operated by anyone other than an authorized user.

(d) Vehicle construction standards will go into effect 12 months after the regulations are adopted and will apply to new and used emergency ambulance service vehicles acquired after such date. Any emergency ambulance service vehicle in service at the time this regulation takes effect will be exempted from this section until such time as existing vehicles are replaced. Vehicles that were ordered prior to the date this section takes effect will be exempt from this section.