Committee calls for better ambulances
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• An ambulance of about 2 litres engine capacity, with low floor, front-wheel drive and possibly all-independent suspension is called for in a report published on Wednesday. The report results from study carried out by the research section of Ogle Design Ltd, of Letchworth, Herts, at the request of the GLC and the National Research Development Corporation.
Equipment carried at present is satisfactory, says the report, but there is need for an improved ambulance vehicle. It suggests that this could be based on a chassis of new design which would be suitable also for a new type of commercial van, for which a need is foreseen. The report claims that vans with the required specification are rapidly coming to dominate the market on the Continent and that although at present almost unknown in this country they may soon be produced here. Commercial production of ambulances on these lines could make the cost economic even though relatively few were built, suggests the report.
The idea that emergency ambulances should be designed as Mobile operating theatres is rejected. It is stated that better access for stretchers and a smooth ride to hospital are more important, with life-saving treatment being given en route. But racing-car performance is not necessary, says the report, and unless used with great care could be positively dangerous to the patient.
The Health Departments' Ambulance Services Advisory Committee is of the opinion that the Ogle specification is likely to provide for a satisfactory ambulance readily acceptable by ambulance authorities in Britain. To follow up the report, the NRDC is now discussing the possibilities for this vehicle with a number of British vehicle manufacturers.