FW: new concept ambulance hits streets

January 11, 2008

From: KCMedicprof

Message 1 in Discussion

Texas AMR tests new " concept " ambulance By Bourgeois

The Star-Telegram (Fort Worth)

ARLINGTON, Texas - You soon might be seeing a flashy new ambulance with

a checkered paint job on the streets of Arlington.

American Medical Response, the company that provides ambulance service

in Arlington, will be road testing what's billed as the " next generation

concept ambulance. "

Only a few are in service across the country.

" It's the Rolls Royce of ambulances, " said local AMR spokesman Bill

Prickett.

After some training for their crews, Prickett said the new ambulance

will be put into duty for a month to give crews an opportunity to check

out the new features.

The concept ambulance incorporates about 40 new features. Most of them

are about safety, although there are some enhancements for patient care.

The road test is designed to give AMR crews the chance to see which

features work for them and which do not.

Prickett said most ambulances now on the streets of Arlington cost about

$100,000. The new one, with most of the bells and whistles, would be in

the $130,000 to $150,000 range.

Whatever AMR of Arlington chooses, the new ambulances would be phased in

over the next few years, Features include video cameras that give the

driver views of all sides of the vehicle, safety harnesses for crews,

backup battery systems, new air filtration, hydraulic stretchers and

ergonomically designed compartments. Jim Love, the company's national

director for safety and risk management, said improving safety and

efficiency will translate into even better care for patients. In

Arlington, nine to 10 ambulances are in use at any given time.

Next generation ambulance features: Four camera video system with

recording device. The cameras, like those in police cars, would record

all ambulance movement. Enhanced rear-seating harnesses designed to

reduce the amount of time medics have to leave their seated positions to

render patient care. Hydraulic stretcher. Air filtration to remove

bacteria and other airborne contaminants within the ambulance.

Recommended Posts