A facebook follower recently posted the following on the Happy Medic Page:
"I recently got involved in specifications for 2 new ambulances...any suggestions out there?"
Well, are there?
This is what social media is about folks, being able to spread an idea, issue or question far and wide quickly to get a wide variety of responses.
If I was on the committee to spec new rigs I'd have a few requests for sure.
What are you looking for in a new ambulance?
"I recently got involved in specifications for 2 new ambulances...any suggestions out there?"
Well, are there?
This is what social media is about folks, being able to spread an idea, issue or question far and wide quickly to get a wide variety of responses.
If I was on the committee to spec new rigs I'd have a few requests for sure.
- Larger area behind the front seats so night crews could recline a bit and have room to store their coolers and jackets, and packpacks etc.
- Plugs in said larger area for crew to run laptops and plug in other peripherals
- A compartmentalization layout designed by actual practitioners so that I don't have to stand up from the airway chair to reach my airway supplies for example.
- Suspensions that last more than 6 months.
- Warning lights that can be seen when the back doors are open.
- GPS
- Because my system is limited by height since 2 of our ER entrances are underground, I can't get a taller rig, but it'd be nice.
- If you're a rural FD EMS, what about extra room for turnouts and airpacks, perhaps even a CAFS?
What are you looking for in a new ambulance?
Comments
Passage between the cab and patient compartment larger than a tiny window and a door that closes this off with a window in it (had it in my last ambulance and LOVED it. It was behind the "Captain's chair" in the pt compartment and made conversations with more than 2 people in a crew great.
That's a start. I'll come back when I remember the rest of my list...
May sound crazy, but a four seated front cab? For preceptee, nurses.. And with the spare place you can a) recline the front seats, b) have more than enough place for the turnout gear, jacket, lunch, laptop, and any essential material not dispensed by the employer.
a plug in bracket for the monitor, relaying the infos on a screen larger than the 4" Zoll.
and we have the Rumbler siren on our new rigs.. a must!!
More counter space in the back, it's seriously lacking in a lot of rigs.
Swivel jump seat. I absolutely LOVE this feature in our boxes!
Mounted IV wall or drawer.
CUP HOLDERS!
Bigger cabs.
Now, keep in mind, I'm posting this from my rig. My feet are in spilled coffee and all of our crap is jam packed btwn the two seats. We have no station to go back to so we're here our entire shift.
I've been in enough accidents in ambulances that I want something to keep me in place.
Bucket seats that can be adjusted left/right/forward/back and can be swiveled.
As mentioned before, some extra cab space for reclining seats and storage.
Electronic PCR docking port which includes a printer.
Pharmaceutical fridge.
Emergency start battery
One way windows for patient privacy.
Electronic pressure sensor for on board oxygen tank to facilitate monitoring how full the tank is.
Back secondary emergency lights in amber only. I'd rather have oncoming cars thinking I'm a tow truck with nothing interesting to see than anything else.
Roll open side door to reduce side footprint.
Wench and ramp system to facilitate loading of bariatric patients.
Any position it would be a good way to keep low profile and supplies within an organized space.
An AM/FM radio for the back for patient comfort.
...because every patient who has a legitimate need for an ambulance due to an acute need has to be hemmed and hawed over for the entire trip?
Your patient has a broken leg (legitimate use of an ambulance as a broken leg presents problems with getting into and out of the back of a vehicle). The patient is examined, leg is splinted, and pain medication is given. Does this patient still require an ambulance, and if so, emergency transport?
Isn't distraction a good source of non-pharmaceutical pain management? Would music, even if cheesy elevator style music, provide at least some distraction?
- possibility of side/angulated siren speakers for more safety during intersection crossings (a thought, would need some research)
- Siren use to be entirely controlled by a foot switch in order to minimise hands of steering wheel
- standardized interior with all locker contents written on outside
- all vital equipment in reach during transport minimising the need to unbuckle en route.