# COMAR Title 30 — Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS)

## Subtitle 09 — Commercial Ambulance Services

### Chapter 10 — Standard Commercial Ambulance Equipment

#### Regulation .06 Standard Ambulance Suction Units.

*COMAR 30.09.10.06*

Each ambulance shall be equipped with one:

A. Onboard suction unit which is:

  (1) Powered by a reliable source from:

    (a) The engine manifold, or

    (b) An electrically powered vacuum pump;

  (2) Capable of developing a:

    (a) Vacuum pressure equivalent to at least 300 mm Hg within 4 seconds of clamping, and

    (b) Free air flow of at least 20 liters/minute at the end of the collection tube;

  (3) Adjustable in suction force for use in children and intubated patients;

  (4) Equipped with wide bore tubing;

  (5) Equipped with one rigid pharyngeal suction tip; and

  (6) Equipped with two suction catheters with integral thumb controls in assorted sizes appropriate for the patients being transported including at least one size from among:

    (a) 6, 8, 10, or 12 French catheter, and

    (b) 14, 16, or 18 French catheter; and

B. Portable suction unit which is:

  (1) Capable of operating continuously under suction for at least 20 minutes while independent of alternating current;

  (2) Capable of developing:

    (a) A vacuum pressure equivalent to 300 mm Hg within 4 seconds of clamping, and

    (b) A free air flow of at least 20 liters/minute at the end of the suction tube;

  (3) Equipped with wide bore tubing;

  (4) Equipped with one rigid pharyngeal suction tip; and

  (5) Equipped with two suction catheters with integral thumb controls in sizes appropriate for the patients being transported including one size from among:

    (a) 6, 8, 10, or 12 French catheter, and

    (b) 14, 16, or 18 French catheter.