836 IAC 3-2-3 Minimum specifications

Sec. 3. (a) The rotorcraft ambulance performance characteristics are inherent in the type of aircraft selected by the rotorcraft ambulance service provider organization. The aircraft and its equipment and operations shall be in compliance with prevailing F.A.R. for the type of aircraft in question and flying conditions under which the aircraft will be operated as specified in the 14 CFR 135 air carrier certificate of the air ambulance service provider organization. (b) The aircraft shall be capable of carrying a minimum of one (1) patient on a litter in a horizontal position located so as not to obstruct the pilot's vision or interfere with the performance of any member of the flight crew or required air-medical personnel. (c) There shall exist a means of securing each litter and attached patient securely to either the floor (deck), walls (bulkhead), seats, or specific litter rack, or any combination thereof, that shall comply with an acceptable method using either approved data from the aircraft manufacturer or data approved by the F.A.A. If data approved by the F.A.A. is required, a field approval or supplemental type certificate (STC) shall be obtained. (d) There shall be demonstrable unobstructed vertical space at the head and thorax areas of the upper surface of a litter or litters to allow for performance of advanced life support cardiac care. (e) Both the head and thorax of a secured patient shall be accessible by a minimum of two (2) air-medical personnel at one (1) time. (f) The patient compartment shall have lighting available for patient observation (a minimum of forty (40) foot-candles at the level of the patient is recommended). Lighting shall be such as to not interfere with the pilots vision and will be focused, shielded, diffused, or colored illumination. (g) The patient compartment shall have fresh air ventilation for the comfort of all persons on board. (h) The patient compartment shall have temperature regulation to assure the comfort of all persons on board. (i) The aircraft shall have one (1) door demonstrably large enough for ease of patient litter loading and unloading in the supine position. (j) The electrical system of the aircraft shall be capable of supporting all of the ancillary equipment without the threat of overload or systems failure. (k) Other specialized equipment may be required to conduct certain operations. The installation of this equipment shall comply with an acceptable method using either approved data from the aircraft manufacturer or data approved by the F.A.A. If data approved by the F.A.A. is required, a field approval or supplemental type certificate (STC) shall be obtained. (l) The aircraft shall have a searchlight rated as a minimum of four hundred thousand (400,000) candlepower or greater, manipulated by the pilot with a minimum movement of ninety (90) degrees vertical and one hundred eighty (180) degrees horizontal with the capability of illuminating the proposed landing site. (m) The aircraft shall have air to ground communication capability to allow the pilot to communicate with all of the following ground personnel: (1) Law enforcement. (2) Fire/rescue. (3) Ambulances. (4) Hospital or hospitals. (n) The aircraft shall be equipped with adequate patient restraint or restraints to preclude interference with the crew or aircraft flight controls. (o) The aircraft shall have an intercommunications system.