By EMS1 Staff
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon recently adopted new safety standards that include changes in technology and equipment requirements.
KLCC reported that the recently adopted standards alter the pre-existing requirement that said ambulances need CB radios. Instead of the radios, EMS providers can now use Wi-Fi or their cellphones.
Another change coming with the new standards is the realization that children sometimes need smaller equipment than adults.
Oregon EMS and Trauma Director Dana Selover said there are many more changes that are being made.
“Things change in medicine quite rapidly and there’s new technology all the time. There’s new equipment all of the time. So that’s why they’re updating it,” she said.
Officials said older ambulances are not required to comply with the safety standards, only newly purchased vehicles will be held accountable.