Ontario Provincial Land Ambulance and Emergency Response Vehicle Standard

Document Name/Version:Ontario Provincial Land Ambulance and Emergency Response Vehicle Standard – Version 7 Change Log
Posting Date:Monday July 28, 2025
Comments Due Date:August 27, 2025
Proposed in force date:TBD
Summary of Proposal:Under the living standards process, the ministry established a working group with key sector partners which has reviewed and proposed updates to the Ontario Provincial Land Ambulance and Emergency Response Vehicle Standard. Proposed changes include enhanced patient and paramedic safety, innovative design provisions, and clarifications in wording to allow for a better understanding of compliance requirements.
Comments can be sent to:MOHFleet@ontario.ca

 

Section / Sub-section: 3.7 (2)

Current text

Such installations shall be completed in accordance with relevant Ontario law governing 110v installations in vehicles; and

Proposed text

The 110v power supply shall be verified to ensure it is clean and free from interference or fluctuations

Rationale

To ensure sensitive medical equipment is protected and compatible in all ambulances, language can be updated to reflect this

Section / Sub-section: 3.7 (2)

Current text

Such installations shall be completed in accordance with relevant Ontario law governing 110v installations in vehicles; and

Proposed text

The 110v power supply shall be verified to ensure it is clean and free from interference or fluctuations

Rationale

To ensure sensitive medical equipment is protected and compatible in all ambulances, language can be updated to reflect this.

Section / Sub-section: 3.7 (3)

Current text

All electrical installations shall be inspected and approved by an inspector certified under relevant Ontario law, an approved seal or certificate of approval shall be affixed adjacent to the installation.

Proposed text

No wording change required. Formatting change only.

Rationale

To ensure sensitive medical equipment is protected and compatible in all ambulances, language can be updated to reflect this.

Section / Sub-section: 3.7 (4) (new)

New Sub-section

Proposed text

No wording change required.  Formatting change only.

Rationale

To ensure sensitive medical equipment is protected and compatible in all ambulances, language can be updated to reflect this.

Section / Sub-section: 5.3.3

Current text

All cabinets, benches, partitions, and rails shall be securely attached to metal tapping plates and/or framing welded to the body structure

Proposed text

All cabinets, benches, partitions, and rails shall be securely attached to metal tapping plates and/or framing welded or glued to the body structure.

Rationale

Allow for different fastening methods used for conversion.

Section / Sub-section: 9.7

Current text

Switches to control the patient compartment lights, heating, air conditioning, and other patient compartment functions shall be mounted on a switch panel at the attendant's control console at the action wall.

Proposed text

Switches to control the patient compartment lights, heating, air conditioning, and other patient compartment functions shall be mounted on a switch panel at the attendant's control console at the action area(s)

Rationale

Provides flexibility and innovative design opportunities.

Section / Sub-section: 11.2.2

Current text

A mounting position shall be provided for the radio control head and microphone clip in the cab that allows equal access for either the driver or passenger.

Proposed text

A mounting position shall be provided for the radio control head and microphone clip in the cab that allows equal access for either the driver or passenger and does not impede the OEM line of sight out of the vehicle

Rationale

Language will be updated to reflect this.

Section / Sub-section: 14.3

Current text

Each ambulance shall provide an action area for the attendant seated in the primary attendant seat.

Proposed text

Action Area(s)

Rationale

Provides flexibility and innovative design opportunities.

Section / Sub-section: 14.3.1

Current text

Each ambulance shall provide an action area for the attendant seated in the primary attendant seat.

Proposed text

Each ambulance shall provide an action area(s) for the attendant seated in the primary attendant seat.

Rationale

Provides flexibility and innovative design opportunities.

Section / Sub-section: 14.3.3

Current text

All switches on the action wall shall be recessed or otherwise protected from accidental operation.

Proposed text

All switches on the action area(s) shall be recessed or otherwise protected from accidental operation.

Rationale

Provides flexibility and innovative design opportunities.

Section / Sub-section: 14.7.1(3)

Current text

One (1) on each centerline of a completed ambulance

Proposed text

One (1) be positioned along the longitudinal centerline of the stretcher.

Rationale

Language will be updated.

Section / Sub-section: 16

Current text

Each ambulance shall have the following labels;

Proposed text

Radio equipment mounting location(s) as defined in section 11.1.2 (1) and (2)

Rationale

Adding this requirement to ensure compliant and consistent radio installation.

Section / Sub-section: 19.1.4(5)

Current text

If the Contractor is American, a copy of the current edition of the Transport Canada ‘List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States’;

Proposed text

If the Contractor is International, proof of the vehicles admissibility into Canada shall be required.

Rationale

Language will be updated.

Section / Sub-section: 19.1.5

Current text

Each ambulance model certification shall be,
(1) granted solely at the discretion of the Director; and
(2) in writing.

Proposed text

MOH Fleet email address. MOHFleet@ontario.ca will be included in the footer

Rationale

While EHRAB already provides feedback to manufacturers regarding reasons for rejection or improvements, in the next iteration of the standards, mohfleet@ontario.ca will be added to the document to allow for ease of access to the Fleet Standards staff/the Director.

Section / Sub-section: 19.1.6.1

Current text

Ambulance model certification and individual test certificates shall remain valid for a maximum of three (3) years.

Proposed text

Ambulance model certification and individual test certificates shall remain valid for a maximum of four (4) years.

Rationale

To support current vendors and entice new vendor interest in the Ontario market.

Section / Sub-section: 19.1.6.1.1

Current text

After the expiry of the three (3) year period, and subject to sub-section 1he ambulance model shall be recertified.

Proposed text

After the expiry of the four (4) year period, and subject to sub-section the ambulance model shall be recertified.

Rationale

To support current vendors and entice new vendor interest in the Ontario market.

Section / Sub-section: 19.2.4, 20.1.2.3, 20.2.4.3, 20.3.5, 20.3.7.5, 20.3.8.2, 20.4.3.3, 20.5.2.3, 20.7.2.5, 20.11.23, 20.15.33, 20.16.2.5, 20.17.2.3, 20.18.2.3, 20.19.2.3, 20.20.2.3, 20.21.2.4, 20.22.2.3, 20.23.2.4

Current text

Testing shall be certified by a Licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario.

Proposed text

Testing shall be certified by a Professional Engineer registered, and eligible to practice, in Ontario according to the Professional Engineers Act.

Rationale

The Professional Engineers Act requires an engineer issuing a seal for a vehicle destined for Ontario to be registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario.  The Professional Engineers of Ontario allow engineers licensed from another Canadian engineering association to register in other provinces without repeating the entire licensing process. Applicants licensed as professional engineers in good standing in another Canadian engineering association are not required to submit transcripts or write PEO’s National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE). For transfer applications, PEO requires the completion of an application and a fee of less than $1000.  The language in the standards can be updated to recognize this.

Section / Sub-section: A6.2.1

Current text

Each ERV shall have a designated area for mounting radio equipment to ensure uninterrupted operation that:

Proposed text

A mounting position shall be provided for the radio control head and microphone clip in the cab that allows equal access for either the driver or passenger and does not impede the OEM line of sight out of the front of the vehicle.

Rationale

Language will be updated to reflect this.

Section / Sub-section: A8.2

Current text

Each ERV shall have the following labels;

Proposed text

Radio equipment mounting location(s)n as defined in section A6.1.2 (1) and (2)

Rationale

Language will be updated to reflect this.

Section / Sub-section: A9.1.3

Current text

To facilitate the site visits described in section A9.1.2, the Contractor shall: (2) if the Contractor is American, ensure that the models proposed the Contractor are included in the current edition of the Transport Canada ‘List of Vehicles Admissible from the United States”.

Proposed text

If the Contractor is International, proof of the vehicles admissibility into Canada shall be required.

Rationale

Language will be updated.

Section / Sub-section: A9.1.7

Current text

Each ERV individual test certificates shall remain valid for a maximum of three (3) years so long as they are applicable to the vehicle model, component(s) and equipment offered as tested under this Standard.

Proposed text

Ambulance model certification and individual test certificates shall remain valid for a maximum of four (4) years.

Rationale

To support current vendors and entice new vendor interest in the Ontario market.

Section / Sub-section: A9.1.7.1

Current text

After the expiry of the three (3) year period, and subject to sub-section A9.1.8, the test certificate then shall require recertification.

Proposed text

Ambulance model certification and individual test certificates shall remain valid for a maximum of four (4) years.

Rationale

To support current vendors and entice new vendor interest in the Ontario market.

Section / Sub-section: A9.3.4

Current text

The following tests shall be completed by a Licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario and certified as conforming to the following Performance Standards:

Proposed text

The following tests shall be completed by a Licensed Ontario Professional Engineer and certified as conforming to these Performance Standards.

Rationale

The Professional Engineers Act requires an engineer issuing a seal for a vehicle destined for Ontario to be registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario.  The Professional Engineers of Ontario allow engineers licensed from another Canadian engineering association to register in other provinces without repeating the entire licensing process. Applicants licensed as professional engineers in good standing in another Canadian engineering association are not required to submit transcripts or write PEO’s National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE).  For transfer applications, PEO requires the completion of an application and a fee of less than $1000.  The language in the standards can be updated to recognize this.

Section / Sub-section: B5.3

Current text

The following tests shall be completed by a Licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario and certified as conforming to the following Performance Standards:

Proposed text

The following tests shall be completed by a Licenced Ontario Professional Engineer and certified as conforming to the Performance Standards:

Rationale

Ontario allow engineers licensed from another Canadian engineering association to register in other provinces without repeating the entire licensing process. Applicants licensed as professional engineers in good standing in another Canadian engineering association are not required to submit transcripts or write PEO’s National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE).  For transfer applications, PEO requires the completion of an application and a fee of less than $1000.  The language in the standards can be updated to recognize this.

Past proposed changes

Document name/versionPosting dateComments due dateSummary of proposal
Ontario Provincial Land Ambulance and Emergency Response Vehicle Standard - Version 7.0July 28, 202530 Days Following PostingChanges made to ambulance and ERV certification timelines and various design parameters to encourage innovation.  Includes updated language to clarify the requirement of the Professional Engineer (P.Eng). 
Ontario Ambulance Documentation Standards 4.0.vJune 20, 2024August 3, 2024Under the living standards process the ministry has updated several aspects of the Ontario Ambulance Documentation Standards including expanded definitions, updated incident reporting requirements, the addition of minimum electronic documentation requirements and the addition of a minimum data set.
Ontario Provincial Land Ambulance and Emergency Response Vehicle Standard - Version 6.1September 27, 2023October 17, 2023Changes made to the oxygen system performance test. Requirements added to ensure all ambulance are equipped with the necessary devices for safe transport of all patients. Please send comments to ParamedicStandards@ontario.ca.
Advance Life Support Patient Care Standards v5.2.g
(Draft)		May 17, 2023June 16, 2023Since the publication of the Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards, version 5.1, under the living standards process, the ministry has received input from the Ontario Base Hospital Group to update medical directives to align with clinical evidence for best practice and high quality patient care.
Basic Life Support Patient Care Standards (BLS PCS) v3.4.aJanuary 24, 2023February 7, 2023Since the publication/in force date of the BLS PCS v3.3, the ministry has received numerous recommendations from various sector stakeholders. These minor changes are being made to align the BLS PCS to other standards published by the ministry.
Patient Care Model Standards v1.1December 21, 2022January 13, 2023The patient care models (PCM) for select 9-1-1 patients aim to provide appropriate health care options in community-based care settings instead of visiting the emergency department. This initiative was initially launched in 2020 with patient eligibility and model types defined in the Patient Care Model Standards version 1.0a. In August 2022, the Government approved the expansion of patient care models with broader patient eligibility and one additional model - Treat & Discharge. The Patient Care Model Standards version 1.1 has incorporated revisions based on input from clinical experts and sector partners on the expansion to ensure patient safety.
Medical directives for Treat & Discharge, as part of the Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards (ALS PCS) v5.1December 21, 2022January 13, 2023To support the expansion of PCM initiative noted above, the Ontario Base Hospital Group Medical Advisory Committee (OBHG MAC) has developed five (5) medical directives for Treat & Discharge to be included in the ALS PCS v5.1.
Provincial Equipment Standards for Ontario Ambulance Services v3.7.aNovember 2, 2022November 30, 2022Since the publication/in force date of the Provincial Equipment Standards for Ontario Ambulance Services, version 3.6, under the living standards process, the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) has requested both additions and amendments to ALS PCS affecting this equipment standard. Minor updates were also made to the Standard.
Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards (ALS PCS) v5.0August 11, 2022October 3, 2022Since the publication/in force date of the ALS PCS, version 4.9, under the living standards process, the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) has requested both additions and amendments to ALS PCS.
Advance Life Support Patient Care Standards v4.9.a
(Draft)		October 21, 2021November 21, 2021Since the publication of the Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards, version 4.8, under the living standards process, the ministry has received input from the Ontario Base Hospital Group to update medical directives to align with clinical evidence for best practice and high-quality patient care. An additional proposed change to address delays in initiating treatment is also included for the “Preamble” section.
Equipment Standards v3.6.a
(Draft)		September 21, 2021October 21, 2021Since the publication/in force date of the Provincial Equipment Standards for Ontario Ambulance Services, version 3.5, under the living standards process, the ministry received change request forms requesting a shift toward reusable personal protective equipment and better alignment of paediatric equipment to follow the 2020 American Heart Association’s (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Guidelines. Additionally, other housekeeping updates have also been made to this draft.
BLS PCS v3.2.a (Draft)September 17, 2020October 17, 2020Since the publication/in force date of the BLS PCS v3.2, the ministry has received numerous recommendations from sector stakeholders and the Ontario Base Hospital Group Medical Advisory Committee.
ALS PCS v4.7.a (Draft)September 17, 2020October 17, 2020Since the publication/in force date of the ALS PCS v4.7, the ministry has received numerous recommendations from sector stakeholders and the Ontario Base Hospital Group Medical Advisory Committee. In addition to the proposed change to the ALS PCS v4.6.1 posted December 16, 2019 – updates to the “Assessment of Patients with Possible COVID–19 Medical Directive – AUXILIARY” are also being considered for publication.
Patient Care Model Standards v1.0aJanuary 7, 2020January 21, 2020The Patient Care Model Standards set out requirements for municipal ambulance services seeking approval from the ministry to implement new models of care that would permit select low-acuity 9-1-1 patients to receive appropriate community-based care, rather than transport to the Emergency Department. This includes requirements of paramedics for providing patient care that extends beyond the “Basic Life Support Standards” and the “Advanced Life Support Standards” for the purposes of implementing new models of care.
ALS PCS v4.6.1.a (Draft)December 16, 2019January 24, 2020Since the publication/in force date of the ALS PCS v4.6, the ministry has received numerous recommendations from the Ontario Base Hospital Group Medical Advisory Committee and Change Requests from various stakeholders. For a detailed description of proposed changes, please email ParamedicStandards@ontario.ca.
Provincial Equipment Standards for Ontario Ambulance Services v3.4.a (Draft)December 16, 2019January 24, 2020Since the publication/in force date of the Provincial Equipment Standards for Ontario Ambulance Services, version 3.4, the ministry has reviewed equipment included in this document that more appropriately falls under the responsibility of the ambulance service operator (for example, the employer) to provide and ensure compliance as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1. It is proposed that these standards be removed from this document. A new supraglottic airway standard has been added. Additionally, other housekeeping updates have also been made to this draft.
BLS PCS v3.1.a (Draft)January 28, 2019March 14, 2019Since the publication/in force date of the BLS PCS v3.1, the ministry has received numerous recommendations from the Ontario Base Hospital Group Medical Advisory Committee and Change Requests from various stakeholders.
ALS PCS v4.6 (Draft)August 14, 2019August 30, 2019Since the publication/in force date of the ALS PCS v4.5, several medical directives that were introduced as auxiliary are now being used by all services across the province. Therefore, these directives are being moved from the auxiliary appendices into the core appendices. The Research Trial Standard which has been added to BLS PCS v3.2 (previously posted for consultative feedback) has been added to this version of the ALS PCS.