Editor’s Note: JEMS Editor-in-Chief A.J. Heightman, MPA, EMT-P was there for the unveiling of this innovative ambulance concept the American Ambulance Association (AAA) Annual Conference being held this week at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
American Emergency Vehicles (AEV) and Life EMS Ambulance unveiled a new concept in emergency transport vehicles on Tuesday in the exhibit hall at the American Ambulance Association (AAA) Conference in Las Vegas.
The ambulance interior was designed to improve the patient experience. Life EMS Ambulance hired Kalamazoo, Mich.-based interior design firm SKP Design to create a more soothing and relaxing environment for patients. “We are always looking at ways that we can create a safe, more patient-friendly approach in an environment that helps reduce stress during what might be one of the most stressful experiences in their lives,” said Mark Meijer, president of Life EMS Ambulance, who was on hand for the vehicle unveiling.
The Type III ambulance is mounted on a Mercedes chassis and the patient compartment is a radical departure from the industry norm of plain colored walls and sterile looking interiors. Interior features include:
- Soft colors: lavender, blue and burgundy;
- Recessed lights;
- Abundant ambient lighting; and
- Original artwork featuring natural landscapes to help the patient relax.
AEV and Life EMS Ambulance teamed up at the onset of the vehicle’s design to reshape not only how equipment is accessed and how emergency personnel work in the vehicle interior, but how the compact environment affects the patient. “We don’t just assemble ambulances, we work closely with our customers to craft a world-class vehicle,” said Mark Van Arnam, CEO of AEV.
“With Life EMS Ambulance, we had an opportunity at the design phase to influence innovation that changes how we can positively impact the patient experience inside an emergency vehicle,” said Van Arnam. Those innovative design elements include:
- Forward facing seats for medical personnel; and
- A functional work station for the primary attendant that includes easy access to all controls, essential airway management items and patient monitoring equipment.
In addition, this 2012 ambulance features surfaces with rounded, padded corners and the capability to still carry a second supine patient via a unique, fold down platform on the street side of the ambulance.
Life EMS Ambulance plans to use this design platform to eventually replace its 60-ambulance fleet. Life EMS Ambulance has made it a part of their corporate mission to incorporate safety and innovation in their vehicles and change how paramedics interact with patients during emergency transport.
For more information on this new concept vehicle, visit Life EMS Ambulance at www.lifeems.com or contact American Emergency Vehicles (AEV) at 800-374-9749 or go to www.aev.com.
