If you’ve ever been in the back of a moving ambulance you already know, though sometimes necessary for saving lives, they can be dangerous. Vehicle crashes involving ambulances are not uncommon, no matter how careful emergency workers try to be. This is why ambulance safety is of the utmost importance to the community, ambulance employees, and the ambulance companies themselves.
Staggering Statistics
Here are some statistics involving ambulance crashes:
- There are 1500 ambulance crashes annually
- In those crashes, 2600 individuals get injured annually
- Of the EMS workers killed in one year, 45% are the result of highway accidents
Now let’s take a look at five factors that should be considered for the safety of your ambulance fleet and its occupants.
Training and Procedures
Education and training are necessary to reduce accidents and injuries. The operation of an emergency vehicle is a massive responsibility, so the maturity and experience of all emergency care providers should be assured. A designated training program includes testing, behind the wheel training, and classroom time. Refresher courses are essential.
Warning Devices
The safety of patients and emergency workers depends (in part) on other motorists hearing and seeing the ambulance. Crew and patient safety can be enhanced with audible warning devices and properly positioned emergency lighting. During both night and daytime hours, ambulance visibility is increased with proper ground lighting, loading lights, scene lighting, and emergency lighting.
Cot Lifting Systems
Among emergency medical providers, back injuries run rampant. Ambulances equipped with cot lifting systems save on injuries to emergency medical assistance providers. Though many ambulance companies and fire stations already have these systems, far too many do not.
Safe Seating
There are three things that should be considered where seating is concerned:
- Safety
- Comfort
- Functionality
Fortunately, through the years, the safety improvements to ambulance seats have been significant. Some of the standards that are considered where seating is concerned include seatbelt warning systems, child restraints, patient access, head clearance, and, of course, seatbelts.
Maintenance
In this modern age, ambulances contain numerous high-tech systems. For the safety of the occupants, every ambulance should have its own comprehensive maintenance plan. Vehicle downtime and costly repairs can be prevented by proactive maintenance, as well as prolonging the life of the vehicle and preventing breakdowns during an emergency.
Other Factors to Consider
Though we’ve only named five here, there are a handful of other things to think about where ambulance safety is concerned. These can include the following, and more:
- Vehicle Visibility (paint colors)
- Structural Components
- Suspension and Chassis Selection
- Current Standards
- Design Specifications
Purchasing your ambulance from a reliable dealer, and having it serviced by certified specialists, will greatly improve your chances of making sure that the above five factors are taken care of. Mickey Genuine Parts has service centers located throughout the United States for the proper maintenance of personal and fleet vehicles. When it comes to quality vehicles, we are at the top of our game.
Mickey Genuine Parts also carries safety related parts. If your truck or fleet is in need of parts related to the safety of your vehicle or employees, check with one of our knowledgeable representatives today to discuss purchase and installation. You can count on Mickey Genuine Parts to stand by everything we manufacture and sell.