1. Introduction Fiat Ducato Ambulance
Fiat Ducato Ambulance; is the most readily recognizable tool utilized by emergency medical services (EMS). It has influenced patient transport and rescue greatly since its first deployment in the American Civil War and has only recently become a widespread facet of advanced pre-hospital care. This essay aims to explore the design and features of the Fiat Ducato ambulance and exactly how they integrate with modern-day EMS. Initially, a reasonably extensive historical view of the rise of the modern ambulance is provided, highlighting some disparate perspectives that can be useful when considering the contemporary ambulance in service today. Key objectives of the essay focus on investigating the Fiat Ducato ambulance, considering the analysis of the design, look, and key features, and reflecting on the use of this ambulance and how well it works for the service using it.
In recent years, ambulance design has evolved around manufacturer base vehicle designs, and most ambulance services are now purchasing an ambulance with little thought on its suitability other than operational requirements over the next twenty years, finance over seven years, and warranty conditions. However, the use of the wrong vehicle will impact how the ambulance service delivers care, manages demand, lessens response times, and may add to long-term injuries of the workforce. It is the thesis of this analysis that the pioneer is as relevant today as it was in the eighteenth century and that the vehicle used by the service is as important to the development of the ambulance service today as it was then. With this in mind, consideration will be made in relation to what the current vehicle supplies the service with and how suited it is for the emergency medical service using it. Practical consideration will also be extended to whether or not the ambulance design makes the service more effective.
2. Historical Overview of Fiat Ducato Ambulance Design
Fiat Ducato Ambulance is a purpose-built vehicle used for providing emergency and non-emergency medical services, such as transferring patients to and from health facilities. The design, functionality, and quality of ambulances have undergone radical transformations over time. In ancient cultures, the sick or injured were carried in simple litters or stretchers. When such a person needed medical treatment that could only be given at a far-off place, carriers used their shoulders to move around the stretcher with the patient. After the industrial revolution of the 19th century, new era technology invigorated different aspects of society. With the blossoming of manufacturing processes, ambulance manufacturing also improved. It developed into hand-drawn vehicles and significantly into horse-drawn vehicles. Finally, motor-driven six-stretcher ambulances were developed. They were powered by petrol or diesel, enjoying a speed of 40-50 km/h. The handling and chassis system were laughable for the present era, but it was cherished by people as it was the one safe practice that could save someone.
Since then, ambulances have progressed chronologically according to the evolution of major historical events, specifically in the medical field and society. They have generally focused on the improvement of design, functionality, and aids required for the services. The health care scenario also changed, receiving acceptance from the general society. Moreover, the perceptions, projections, and reflections have influenced vehicle culture, uniforms, and the dressing sense of the staff available during the service period. During the First World War, vehicles were designed in such a way that they could effectively support ambulances in the event of natural disasters. Physicians, medical care experts, and the concerned industry intensified their efforts toward the appointment of special functional vehicles. Such vehicles were designed to meet the requirements of the war while carrying large numbers of injured people to the respective facilities. From the viewpoint of medical care during this period, the requirement of an ambulance with space to carry stretchers was not fully pursued. Subsequently, all points of view gained importance and concern, and by the end of the 20th century, the present form of an ambulance was shaped. With the growth and progression of society, the health care sectors and systems also changed, including the ambulance and emergency concept, which changed drastically. In busy and developed, as well as developing countries, the normal person is often surrounded by situations that are reacted to as emergencies or emotional feelings. The demographic symbol is diverse. All aspects of the view are considered by making alterations to the form and figures of the ambulances that are in the present form and design. As a result, the dress, communication protocols, signals, and precautions have changed. The development and stagnation depend upon the development rate of the display systems.
3. Evolution of Fiat Ducato Ambulance Features
A Concept of Operations for ambulances in 1977 showed an evolution of ambulance design – “modern” ambulances were perceived to have evolved from early horse-driven open carriages and in most respects to be the same as in 1977. Speed was the critical aspect in the transport of injured patients during World War I, a factor behind sprays that transformed van-over ambulance into a “flying ambulance.” Changes in ambulance design and equipment showed particularly significant changes in regulations in parts of the UK in 1915, with a further significant upskilling of ambulances reported at the close of World War II. The design and efficacy of airborne ambulances also gained attention at this time, particularly the experiment conducted by the British Red Cross, who converted a Tiger Moth two-seater into an ambulance.
The question arises as to why the patient care and carer environment in ambulances had our best progress compared to the light goods vehicles on which ambulances were traditionally based – conclusions being drawn from the benefits of legislation and the standardization of ambulances that emerged in the latter part of the last century. Both of these developments happened alongside some relatively small studies into the needs of patients and carers. Indeed, the impetus for the more developed vehicle system has largely been based on anecdotal evidence and commentary by the emergency service providers. The contrast is striking – indications show how any requests they receive for the inclusion of particular equipment are subjected to relevant research and consultation in order to ensure that the change will not jeopardize the safety of either patient or practitioner. What these records show is that some of the earliest advances in ambulance design focused not only on the capabilities of the vehicle but the time frame for delivery.
4. Design Elements of the Fiat Ducato Ambulance
4.1. Exterior Design Fiat Ducato Ambulance
From the external point of view, the vehicle has been studied to guarantee the best service conditions in full respect of traffic norms. In particular, the dimensions of the transport unit, rigorously established, are optimized as far as internal habitability is concerned, as well as in respect of limits coming from places with road traffic restrictions. Current norms provide that the vehicle windows must be protected with metal grates. These should have no oral gradient in respect to the glass and maximum size dimensions to guarantee the entry of air and light in respect to visibility. Our solution is to have a glass that is wider than what is requested and to apply a grille that has a special massive look, giving a richer and less confined view from the outside. The grille is obtained using a system of stainless steel tubular profiles, available in the same forms as the original glass, creating a disturbing effect.
The lights are protected and supported with the use of metal rods, but the reticulation supports them in every part. There is the possibility to control directly from the driver cabin the work lights highlighted on the room roof. The paramedics can instead regulate the work light of the room. Due to vehicle restraints, the air-conditioning unit is obtained at the expense of tens of fans placed on the vehicle roof. All these make the vehicle recognize distance and approach while moving.
4.2. Interior Layout and Features Fiat Ducato Ambulance
In 2016, the UAE became the first country in the Middle East and Western Asia to adopt the Fiat Ducato ambulance. There are many reasons for this choice; first and foremost, the need to ensure the most advanced standards of safety, quality, practicality, and reliability within the emergency services. Consequently, ambulances have been designed to meet all specific technical and usage requirements. The vehicle consists of a spacious box with high visibility and ease of access for the crew. As the ability to save time and therefore save lives is crucial for an ambulance, easy access is an essential factor. In fact, reducing the time needed for operations may be vital to saving a person’s life. The Ducato has a roomy sliding door on the right-hand side, which allows fast access to the patient’s compartment. Furthermore, the vehicle and its design allow for better use on long journeys, without stress to operators and patients.
An ambulance, of course, has to meet many specific needs, and it is no easy task. There must be room inside for an operator to sit down and work without impeding their activities, while also making sure everything necessary is at hand. In addition, there must always be a seat next to the patient to allow an operator to remain nearby and continue monitoring the patient, and so a device is installed inside the box, with the oxygen bottle equipped with an extension to reach the patient’s compartment. Within the Ducato ambulance, the features include an ergonomic stretcher that allows the operator to face the patient during transit, making a difficult journey less stressful for the operator and enabling them to control the patient’s status. Efficient cold lighting placed on the air pack panel contributes to reduced stress, as the craftsmanship of the box ensures better cleanability of the surfaces. High-visibility units are present on the ambulance, as they are essential for ensuring other drivers can see and recognize the emergency vehicle even in extreme conditions. In addition, four additional devices have been placed in the rearview mirrors to alert other drivers of flashing lights behind them. The structure of the associated devices was devised during the operational issue stage of the project. A large, non-slip, water-resistant take-off panel covering the entire sides of the box has been provided for signage adverts. Control electronics are built in to ensure maximum functionality and safety throughout the entire vehicle system.
5. Technological Innovations in the Fiat Ducato Ambulance
Today’s ambulances are fully equipped rescue vehicles with state-of-the-art technology. Automotive manufacturers are aware of the highly complex requirements and the wide range of tasks for which the vehicle is intended. They develop solutions in close cooperation with the manufacturers of emergency medical special equipment and the end users of the vehicles. These include, among other things, the development of vehicle concepts that ensure optimal space utilization, presenting a challenge in this context. In addition, the vehicle manufacturer is to facilitate the most technically perfect integration of the special equipment possible and to ensure that all components are subjected to a system test. Not least, the chassis, on which the technical elaborations of the special development are based, must meet the high standards set by the end users. The experienced provider in the body field with years of experience in converting vans to ambulances has now launched the new ambulance model and takes into account all the above-mentioned points.
Design of the Fiat Ducato Ambulance
The dimensions of the load and passenger compartment in the high roof and long wheelbase – 2.12 meters tall, 4 meters long, and 2.05 meters wide – meet the high space requirements of the professional bodybuilders for the conversion into an ambulance. The ability to stand upright without difficulty, easily carry a stretcher, or examine and provide treatment to two patients at the same time is crucial to ensure that the paramedics can perform their important work without problems. The powerful engine with a displacement of up to 3 liters and a maximum of 177 horsepower provides dynamic driving behavior, maximum response time, and ensures that the ambulance is able to move quickly through traffic. Additionally, cruise control makes driving more comfortable and can prevent speeding. Stability systems combined with load-adaptive control and front-wheel, rear-wheel, and four-wheel drive configurations ensure maximum road safety in all driving conditions.
The production of the state-of-the-art ambulance based on the Fiat Ducato ensures equipping the emergency vehicle with advanced medical equipment to provide pre-hospital care. The ambulance equipment includes a wide range of medical tools essential for the provision of effective care. Defibrillators are necessary for first-aid treatment on a daily basis and for staff training. The on-board life support system monitors and evaluates the condition of the patient automatically and can communicate with the on-board medical equipment, facilitating the performance of medical procedures, adapting the treatment provided to the patient, and remote control via the telemedicine system for another medical consultation. Telemedicine, the field of medical science, system, and practice connected with providing health care at a distance, in the scope of medical transport, serves for the remote consultation between the medical team and a remote specialist. Remote access to ultrasonic pictures may be sent to the selected hospital ultrasound center to facilitate the process of diagnosing the examined patients. The electromagnetic navigation system is cutting-edge technology supporting communication and enabling wireless data transfer of the images or documents from the emergency ambulance to remote hospitals to organize and prepare hospitals for the patient arrival. The emergency vehicle is equipped with advanced navigation systems which, based on GPS and GLONASS technology, receive information on the current position of the vehicle and send it to the ambulance dispatching center. Telemedicine technologies and modern navigation systems help the coordinated performance of tasks, effectively solving problems and improving the integration of health care services. The on-site registration process in the navigation system allows the planned optimal routes to be selected, reducing travel time, and the increased information on road conditions contributes to the quicker arrival of the emergency team at the patient’s site. The number of incidents markedly increased during the pandemic. Telemedical technologies and efficient communication systems make the ambulance a more reliable link in the emergency medical service.
6. Impact of the Fiat Ducato Ambulance on Emergency Services
While the patient care, ambulatory features, and the work environment enabled by the Fiat Ducato Ambulance are essential aspects of interest regarding the best use of such a conveyance in an emergency service, one should not fail to consider the impact that the same emergency service has in terms of expansion and access to the general population. The urban public and the need for state-of-the-art care reflect the efficiency and effectiveness of the public health system. Furthermore, as a public service, the emergency service is expected to make available a continuous range of suitable actions adjusted to highly diverse aspects of demand for various pieces of medical care for patients of different levels of complexity. The efficiency of the public emergency service is closely linked to the capacity of the ambulances to take provision and support actions in various situations. If an urgency is solved on the doorstep, visited by the Basic Health Unit, that patient is avoided in the emergency service, which generates space and saves resources.
The attempt to endorse recent, forefront concepts of NHS advantage by using a vehicle designed to facilitate the provision of assistance strengthens an existing paradigm and guarantees to qualify the work of many major and minor emergency services post teams. Patients with street urgency managed through a mobile team are often restricted to emergency service beds, preferentially keeping beds free to meet the needs of more serious patients, who in this way receive the necessary support at the time needed. Patients and their families appreciate the fast, convenient, humane, efficient, and immediate ambulatory work on the doorstep, valued for the opening of the health institution without being subject to the streamline available, the reported dignity, the reception conditions, and personalized care inside.
