The Ambulance Services Act General Regulations were amended by EC2025-708 to update requirements for ambulance vehicles and patient care equipment in Prince Edward Island. These amendments aimed to improve the safety, functionality, and standards for ambulance services by revising vehicle equipment, ambulance design features, lighting specifications, and patient care supplies carried in ambulances.

One key change was made to subsection 4(1), which details the required equipment on ambulance vehicles. The amendment revoked the previous list of vehicle-mounted devices and replaced it with a new set of required items. Now, ambulances must carry a vehicle-mounted two-way radio and two handheld two-way radios to ensure reliable communication. They must also have two battery-operated flashlights to provide illumination during emergency responses. Safety equipment was improved by requiring a dry chemical fire extinguisher, two high-visibility safety vests for personnel protection, and two emergency services or rescue helmets to protect staff during rescue operations.

The regulations also revised the design standards for Class 1 ambulances, which are the primary emergency vehicles. Section 5 of Schedule A was amended to specify the seating arrangements inside the ambulance. It now requires at least two attendant seats with headrests: one positioned at the head of the stretcher facing the rear, and another beside the stretcher. These seating arrangements are designed to optimize patient care and attendant accessibility during transport. An important new addition to Class 1 ambulance design is the requirement for an exhaust fan or air filtration device in the patient compartment. This device must be capable of evacuating or filtering contaminated air, which enhances infection control and air quality for both patients and medical personnel.

A major update in the regulations involved revoking the existing Schedule B, which lists the patient care equipment and supplies that ambulances must carry, and replacing it with a comprehensive new Schedule B. This new schedule specifies detailed minimum quantities and types of equipment for both Class 1 and Class 2 ambulances, covering a wide range of patient care tools and medications. Essential items such as stretchers, paediatric and infant transport devices, various immobilization devices like stair chairs, scoop stretchers, and backboards, along with cervical collars and bandages, are listed. The new Schedule B also includes detailed requirements for oxygen delivery systems, nebulizers, airway management devices, suction apparatus, cardiac monitors, and advanced airway supplies.

Medications required on ambulances are enumerated with specific dosages, including pain relievers like acetaminophen and morphine, emergency drugs such as epinephrine, naloxone, and atropine, and other treatments like diazepam, furosemide, and glucagon. The schedule ensures ambulances are equipped to handle a broad spectrum of medical emergencies with adequate supplies for pediatric and adult patients alike. Intravenous supplies, infusion pumps, diagnostic tools such as glucometers and thermometers, and protective gear like disposable gloves, gowns, and masks are also mandated.

Prince Edward Island (708/2025) August 12, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.