The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released a seven-part video series (click here to view) covering new crash test methods to improve ambulance design and keep emergency medical services (EMS) workers and their patients safe in the event of a crash. As a project co-funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), and in partnership with other federal agencies and the ambulance manufacturing industry, NIOSH research contributed to the development of 10 new crash test methods published by the SAE.
“Given the evolution of ambulance design, our research sought to make improvements in seating, patient cots, equipment mounts, storage cabinets, and the overall patient compartment body, leading to the development of new test methods” said James Green, NIOSH lead project officer and safety engineer. “Working alongside other agencies and industry partners has improved the structural integrity and crash survivability of both the vehicle and the occupant, improving worker safety and security while still allowing them to do their jobs.”
With these new crash test methods, patient compartments in an ambulance can become increasingly crashworthy for both the patient and the worker. In the event of a crash, there is less of a risk of flying objects injuring occupants, cots and seats remain more stable and crash resistant, and EMS workers can engage in seamless patient care while still remaining properly belted in a moving ambulance.
May 31, 2017