Standards and norms for ambulances in Vietnam from December 23, 2014

Standards and norms for ambulances in Vietnam from December 23, 2014​ (Image from the internet)

On November 7, 2024, the Minister of Health of Vietnam issued Circular 31/2024/TT-BYT prescribing standards and norms for the use of specialized vehicles in the health sector.

Standards and norms for ambulances in Vietnam from December 23, 2014

Article 2 of Circular 31/2024/TT-BYT specifies the standards and norms for ambulances as follows:

(1) Standards for ambulances:

The standards for ambulances are determined according to the provisions in Article 2 of Circular 27/2017/TT-BYT (amended and supplemented by Decree 96/2023/ND-CP):

Ambulances must meet the requirements stipulated in section 3.1.2 of the Vietnam Standard TCVN 7271:2003 concerning road vehicles – Cars – Classification by purpose of use and can only be used when meeting the following standards:

- Standards for external ambulance equipment must be permanently attached, including:

+ Have a signaling device for vehicles with priority, including a rotating or flashing red light mounted on the roof, a priority signal siren. The licensing for the use of priority signal equipment is carried out following the legal regulations on road traffic;

+ Have an information board about the using unit displayed on both the main driver's door and the auxiliary driver's door of the ambulance with a minimum size (height: 45cm, width: 50cm), meeting the following minimal information requirements:

++ Logo of the vehicle using unit (if any): Minimum size (height: 18cm, width: 18cm).

++ Name, address, and contact phone number of the medical examination and treatment facility stipulated in Clause 2 Article 1 of Circular 27/2017/TT-BYT.

++ License number for medical examination and treatment operation granted by the competent state authority.

The layout of the information board regarding the using unit is prescribed in the Appendix issued together with Circular 27/2017/TT-BYT.

- Standards for the interior equipment of the ambulance:

+ Main stretcher: Slide type, equipped with safety belts, wheels;

+ Seat for medical staff;

+ Plastic lining for the vehicle floor: Anti-slip, easy to clean, sterilize, and disinfect;

+ Interior lighting (for patient emergency treatment);

+ IV fluid hooks;

+ 12V power outlet;

+ Cabinets, racks, shelves, specialized cabinets for installing medical equipment with the oxygen system, medical devices, medicine, and emergency supplies to ensure convenient operation, usage, and easy cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization.

+ Emergency hammer;

+ In the case of one out-of-hospital emergency crew, the ambulance must ensure the stock of medicine and medical equipment as regulated in Decision 3385/QD-BYT in 2012;

+ Additionally, depending on the actual situation and professional requirements, the medical examination and treatment facility may equip additional necessary medical devices to ensure complete medical equipment, medicine, and tools for patient service.

(2) Norms for ambulances:

- For medical examination and treatment facilities, the norms for ambulances are determined based on the scale of licensed beds. To be specfic:

+ Under 50 beds: Maximum 01 vehicle;

+ From 50 to under 100 beds: Maximum 02 vehicles;

+ From 100 to under 200 beds: Maximum 03 vehicles;

+ From 200 to under 300 beds: Maximum 04 vehicles;

+ From 300 beds and up, an additional 01 vehicle is added for every 150 beds.

- For individuals, agencies, and units providing emergency, patient transport support services: The determination of ambulance usage norms is based on demand, population scale, geographical position as a basis for reporting to competent authorities as stipulated in clause 1 Article 17 of Decree 72/2024/ND-CP for approval, ensuring suitability to needs and efficiency in investment and vehicle use.

- For agencies, units performing tasks in the field of preventive medicine, and units providing vaccine immunization services: Maximum 01 vehicle.

- For agencies and units not operating within the health sector but requiring the use of ambulances: Maximum 01 vehicle.

Refer to the Circular 31/2024/TT-BYT effective from December 23, 2014.

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