Section 309.22. Suction aspirator system.

 

(1)  An engine vacuum operated or electrically powered suction aspirator system shall be provided in the patient's compartment. The installed suction system shall be powerful enough to provide an air flow of at least 20 liters per minute at the end of the delivery tube and a vacuum of at least 300 millimeters of mercury to be reached within 4 seconds after the tube is clamped. The suction line shall be securely fastened to prevent damage, but shall remain accessible for inspection and repair. The engine vacuum type aspirator system shall be connected to a check valve and reservoir chamber having a volume of not less than 575 cubic inches, in line between the vacuum source and the aspirator. Aspiration suction shall be connected to a single, plug-in, self-sealing valve. The suction line connection shall be a labeled, plug-in outlet located near the oxygen outlets, but far enough away to permit easy handling of necessary component parts. The suction system shall include 2 mating outlet fittings or a yoke for the valve connection. The aspirator unit shall be securely mounted and located near the primary patient. The vacuum indicator gauge shall be capable of reading vacuum pressure up to 300 mm. Hg. The vacuum adjuster shut-off valves, either in combination or separately controlled, shall control vacuum setting within 10 mm. Hg. and discontinue aspiration instantly. The collecting bottle shall be nonbreakable and transparent with not less than 500 cc holding capacity. One spare nonbreakable suction collecting bottle shall be stored nearby if a disposable bag is not used. The following accessories shall be furnished and stored to be readily available, and shall be a single patient use item: one suction rinsing water bottle; one semi-rigid non-metallic pharyngeal suction tip; at least one spare suction tip and at least one adult and one infant catheter; one 6-foot length or more of translucent wide bore, nonkinking suction tubing, reasonably thick walled to prevent its collapse under high suction.

(2)  Every ambulance shall be equipped with a portable suction unit providing a vacuum of at least 300 mm. Hg. and a free airflow rate of at least 15 liters per minute. Units shall be battery powered units capable of providing at least 20 minutes of continuous operation at the required vacuum and flow levels. The portable suction unit shall be fitted with the following single patient use items: one 3-foot length or more wide bore, transparent, nonkinking suction tubing and a rigid nonmetallic pharyngeal suction tip and applicable accessories and controls.

Cr. Register, October, 1986, No. 370 , eff. 11-1-86; am., Register, April, 1994, No. 460 , eff. 5-1-94; am. Register, February, 1999, No. 518 , eff. 4-1-99.