When designing ambulances, safety is not just a feature—it’s a fundamental principle and in the DNA of every one of our vehicles. As a manufacturer, we understand that the chassis is just as important as the rest of the vehicle, supporting the patient unit and providing a safe and reliable workstation for both paramedics and a secure mode of transport for patients. This is why we carefully select specific chassis models that align with our mission to maximize safety and efficiency in every one of our vehicles that are dispatched on life-saving missions.
Ford and GM chassis models both offer reliable options with features that enhance the security and safety of paramedics on board. Here’s a comparison of key benefits and their importance.
The importance of chassis selection
Choosing the right chassis goes beyond ensuring the ambulance moves from point A to B. It directly impacts the safety of paramedics and patients, the functionality of tools, and the overall driving experience. We focus on features that support paramedics, whether they’re experienced or first-time driving an ambulance. Our selected chassis models include advanced safety and driver-assist technologies, ensuring a secure environment for paramedics to focus on saving lives.
Enhanced Safety: Advanced braking systems, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control.
Improved Driving Confidence: Tools like distance alerts help paramedics navigate confidently, even in high-pressure situations.
Durability and Reliability: Our chosen chassis models withstand the rigorous demands of emergency services, ensuring reliability in every call.
Why OEM safety features matter in an ambulance chassis
Emergency Braking: Ambulances operate in high-pressure situations where quick decisions are made every single day. This feature helps the vehicle stop quickly and safely in unexpected moments, like a sudden pedestrian crossing or abrupt traffic stops. It’s especially useful in busy urban areas with high unpredictability such as a pedestrian suddenly stepping into traffic, a vehicle cutting into the lane, or an abrupt traffic jam.
Lane Departure Warning: Fatigue is a common challenge for paramedics during long shifts, increasing the risk of accidents. Lane departure warning systems provide an extra layer of protection by alerting drivers when the ambulance unintentionally drifts out of its lane. This feature helps prevent incidents caused by inattention, encourages greater focus on the road, and enhances overall safety, particularly during high-stress and demanding situations.
Distance Alert/Indication: Keeping a safe following distance is essential for emergency vehicles operating at high speeds. Distance alerts offer real-time feedback, helping drivers avoid tailgating and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. This feature is particularly useful when navigating busy highways or responding rapidly to emergencies, where maintaining control and quick reaction times is crucial.
Adaptive Cruise Control: For paramedics traveling long distances, adaptive cruise control provides valuable support. It automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance, easing the physical and mental effort of constant speed management. By promoting smoother and more controlled driving, this feature helps reduce fatigue and keeps paramedics focused, ensuring they are prepared to respond effectively upon arrival.
Every ambulance we design is carefully built to ensure paramedics have a safe and efficient workspace to do their jobs. This commitment protects not only the paramedics and patients but also pedestrians and other drivers on the road. Our goal is to create ambulances that perform reliably in emergencies while keeping everyone around them safe.
