Section 515.840  Stretcher Van Requirements

a)         A stretcher van shall not be a passenger sedan, limousine, or recreational vehicle.  Sport utility vehicles with fewer than three passenger doors and a wheelbase of less than 100 inches are not permitted to be licensed as stretcher vans.

b)         A stretcher van shall have the capability for continuous and reliable voice communication with staffed dispatch bases and receiving facilities, and the ability to contact emergency services as necessary.

c)         A stretcher van shall have sufficient room for two attendants and appropriate equipment to secure all passengers and the stretcher to prevent injury or aggravation of an existing medical condition and to allow for direct observation of the stretcher passenger.

d)         A stretcher van shall be in good operating condition and equipped with seat belts for each passenger, one working 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher, and one working battery-operated flashlight.  A stretcher van shall not be equipped with emergency (red or blue) lights or other emergency warning devices.

e)         A stretcher van shall have accommodation for a primary wheeled litter, which shall be at least 75 inches long and 22 inches wide and fastened securely with a crash-stable quick-release three-point fastener (i.e., Ferno Type 175 fastener or equivalent); in addition, passengers on the primary wheeled litter shall be secured with three sets of straps and over-shoulder straps.

f)         A stretcher van shall have a flat and unencumbered floor with a non-skid surface that is easily cleaned. The patient area of the stretcher van shall be constructed of surfaces that are non-porous and easily sanitized.

g)         A stretcher van shall have a loading light capable of illuminating the area around the stretcher van.

h)         A stretcher van shall be equipped with a crash-stable quick-release mounting bracket for each oxygen cylinder transported.

i)          A stretcher van shall have provisions for continuous visual and voice communication between the driver and the passenger.

j)          A stretcher van shall have heating, cooling and ventilation systems in good working condition.  The passenger area shall be clear and designed to ensure that there are no sharp projections that could injure the passenger.

k)         Smoking or use of smoking materials or devices shall not be permitted in stretcher vans licensed under this Part. A stretcher van shall include "No Smoking" and "Fasten Seat Belt" signs conspicuously posted in the driver and passenger compartments.

l)          A stretcher van shall provide either:

1)         A 24-hour written agreement to have emergency road service; or

2)         One spare wheel and tire, one with a jack with the capacity to raise a wheel of the stretcher van, and one wheel lug wrench.

m)        A stretcher van shall be equipped with:

1)         Two each: pillows, sheets and blankets;

2)         CPR mask with safety valve;

3)         Red bio-hazard labeled isolation bags; and

4)         A box of disposable gloves.

n)         All equipment and supplies in a stretcher van shall be properly secured, so as to be crash safe.

o)         A stretcher van shall not transport more than one stretcher passenger at any one time.

(Source:  Added at 35 Ill. Reg. 18331, effective October 21, 2011)