BY ASHLEY TAYLOR, A.M.I.R.T.E., Assoc. inst. T.
Page 70
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Export Extras
IN essentials ambulances are much the same the world over, but when inspecting some Wadham units recently I was impressed by certain of the fitments being used on the export versions. A complete reinforced structural plastics ambulance body was built by Wadhams (Coachbuilders) Ltd. in 1958, so that the company can claim to be among the pioneers in that particular field. The double-skin technique which is employed in this connection is well suited to obtaining a higher degree of insulation by the insertion of suitable materials between the component cavities during manufacture. Designs intended for certain areas overseas incorporate a secondary plastics shield conforming to the roof shape, which is mounted an inch or so above the existing roof panel so that a current of air can pass between the two whilst the vehicle is in motion. In the conversion of vans to ambulances for use in hot climates glass fibre linings are frequently employed, sometimes with the secondary shield mentioned previously and sometimes as insulation between the inner and outer skins.
For export to tropical climates special ventilation is a necessity and, apart from air scoops fitted to the windows, air is often ducted above the screen to the stretcher saloon. Individual, universally jointed fans are provided on these models for all personnel, including stretcher patients, and extractor fans are fitted to the roof. A fairly common requirement for export ambulances is a wash basin with a heat-insulated water storage tank. This is an extremely valuable facility when long distances are travelled, but one that is seldom specified in this country. I was particularly interested in one case in the great precautions taken to prevent the entry of dust.
Silent Service
THE noise factor is one that must normally be taken into account when choosing vehicles for operation within hospital estates. This is a situation in which the electrically-propelled unit starts with a decided advantage, so I was interested to hear of co-operation between Glover, Webb and Liversidge Ltd. and Smith's Delivery Vehicles Ltd. who have produced a highly functional electric ambulance for carrying stretcher cases and walking patients between wards. Easy access at the rear is provided by means of a neat combined ramp and door. Smith has, of course, supplied a number of vehicles to hospitals in the past for the carriage of food, laundry and other items within hospital precincts. As in these circumstances electric units are working within a limited radius, it is particularly simple for them to be recharged during their off-periods.
The Big Cut
A CAPACITY of 1.000-tons per holm equivalent to that of about 800 mei using shovels, is claimed for the Roll); Snowblast snow-blower, a Canadiai product produced in New Brunswick Eight of these machines in their tractor shovel mounted form have been ordered by the Northumberland County Counci in readiness for heavy weather tha might develop next winter. They incor porate the milling-centrifuge system am will have hydraulically operated snow loading chutes which rotate through 240' and will deflect the discharge in an desired direction. The tractor-shovel to be employed are the Michigan Mode 85A Series H and they will be equippes with two-men cabs. Power for drivini the rotary unit will be supplied by supercharged Rolls-Royce C4SFL oi engine. By use of a neat snap mountinl the rotary attachments and auxiliar) power units can be attached or detaches in about 20 minutes, thus allowing foi quick conversion from bucket to plougf and vice versa.
Workers' Wash
SO that their refuse collection workert will be able to clean up from time tc time, particularly before eating food anc after finishing duty, the Ripon and Pateley Bridge R.D.C. is to provide plastic wash bowls, soap and impel towels in the council's collection vehicles. In many places washing facilities are available when vehicles call at depots but often on long rural rounds the men have to fend for themselves. Ripon and Pateley Bridge are setting a good example.