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Modern Requirements in Ambulances

5th June 1936, Page 47
5th June 1936
Page 47
Page 47, 5th June 1936 — Modern Requirements in Ambulances
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Keywords : Ambulance

Mr. Aubrey Lomas Addresses Annual Conference of Professional Fire Brigades Association

THE subject of "Ambulance Construction and Equipment" was exhaustively dealt with by Mr. Aubrey Lomas, F.I.M.T., in a lecture before the Professional Fire Brigades Association Annual Conference at Edinburgh, last Friday.

Mr. Lomas referred in detail to chassis and body design and equipment. He listed the following as desirable features of ambulance chassis :—Long wheelbase, long body space, wide track, high horse-power, silent engine and transmission, special suspension and efficient electrical system.

He pointed out that adequate body space must be available, with little overhang beyond the rear axle. The use of forward control gave the designer the opportunity of locating the stretchers between the axles. A body length of at least 7 ft. 10 ins, should be afforded, whilst 20 h.p. was suggested as a minimum figure for engine power.

Mr. Lomas declared that an increase of 2 ins, in the track was, in his experience, far preferable to 6 ins, in the wheelbase length. The minimum body length of 7 ft. 10 ins, would enable the attendant efficiently to operate the equipment, whilst, in times of emergency, an ambulance of this size could accommodate a standard Purley or Army stretcher. The latter suggestion was made as a possible means for amplifying the Air Raid Precaution Scheme and utilizing the ambulance for the transport of patients from temporary or mobile dressing stations.

The speaker commended the use of rubber mountings for engines, hydraulic transmission or synchromesh gearboxes, and shock absorbers that are adjustable by the driver or attendant while the vehicle is in motion.

Referring to springs, he explained that the long, flat, semi-elliptic provides comfortable riding without too much flexing, whilst the use of very broad leaves materially assists in reducing

lateral movement. He also recommended the use of the voltage-control type-of dynamo.

Mr. Lomas also pointed out that, whereas ambulances are exempt from taxation, vans for carrying infectious bedding do not escape the duty. Consequently, the ambulance which embodies a compartment for bedding, effects an important economy in taxation cost, apart from other expenses.

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People: Aubrey Lomas
Locations: Edinburgh

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