1.1This specification pertains to fixed (airplanes) and rotary-wing (helicopters) aircraft used for prehospital emergency medical care and transportation of patients by air, collectively air ambulances. It outlines the minimum requirements, including personnel, patient care equipment, and supplies that shall be met before the aircraft can be classified as an air ambulance.

1.2Recommendations for basic life support (BLS) air ambulances are contained in the first part of this specification that defines the minimum requirements for aircraft configuration and capability, the minimum number of seats for personnel, and the minimum medical equipment and supplies.

1.3Recommendations for advanced life support (ALS) air ambulances include the first part of this specification that defines the minimum requirements for aircraft configuration and capability, the minimum number of seats for personnel, and the minimum medical equipment and supplies. Additional requirements for ALS are found in Annex A1.

1.4Recommendations for specialized medical support (SMS) air ambulances include those for BLS and may include some or all of the ALS requirements that define the minimum requirements for aircraft configuration and capability, the minimum number of seats for personnel, and the minimum medical equipment and supplies. Additional requirements for SMS air ambulances are found in Annex A2.

1.5In this specification, minimum requirements for air ambulances providers are identified, however, ambulance services, under the direction of their medical director, are encouraged to use them as a core list and adjust their configuration or manifest or both according to their mission profile and patient population.

1.6Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.7This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.