Pulse Oximeter Policy

Seal of Excellence requires pulse oximeters for:

     BLS Ambulances - optional till 2012 then mandatory

     BLS First Responders - optional

     ALS Ambulance - required

     ALS Chase and Engines - required

Policy Criteria
ALS Ambulances, Chase and Engines will meet our requirements if they are assigned a Lifepak with pulse ox capabilities.

ALS Ambulances, Chase and Engines are first priority if they do not have pulse oximeter capabilities.

BLS Ambulances are second priority and should have a pulse oximeter prior to January 1 2012.

BLS First Responders are a third priority and will be issued pulse oximeter if devices are available in our system.

ALS Ambulances, Chase and Engines may be issued a stand alone pulse oximeter as a backup if devices are available in our system.


Volunteer-purchased pulse oximeter will be maintained by us as long as it is cost effective to repair.

If a volunteer-purchased pulse oximeter is an optional item on the assigned unit, it will not be replaced by us if it is no longer supported by the manufacturer, if it is un-repairable or if devices are not available in our system.


It appears that the manufacturer will support the device for at least five years from the date of purchase.

The cost of our approved pulse oximeter is approximately $530.00. Use the following matrix to determine if a pulse oximeter is cost effective to repair.

Year of Service      % of Original Cost   Amount Allowed per Device

1st Year                         70%                             $371

2nd Year                        60%                             $318

3rd Year                        50%                             $265

4th Year                        40%                              $212

5th Year                        30%                              $159


Since the manufacturer has a flat rate of $165.00, we may not be repairing devices that are over 4 years old.