One of three ambulances used by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Critical Care Transport (CCT) program has been re-chassised to make it more environmentally friendly – and safer for the ambulance crew.
The re-worked ambulance now has a “quad cab,” which holds an extra seat row behind the driver in the front cab. This allows the entire team of medical professionals to ride in the cab during the non-patient portion of the trip, which is safer than riding in the back.
“Providing a safer means of transport for our employees has been a priority for CCT,” said Laura Lee Demmons, CCT director. “We’ve also installed a howler siren in the unit, which gives off a strong vibration that catches the attention of even the most distracted drivers. It helps the team negotiate traffic and accomplish their mission more safely.”
The new unit, a 2006-model with a 2012 chassis designated UAB 15, is also more environmentally friendly, as it now runs on bio-diesel fuel. The re-fit took about six months at a cost of $108,000. CCT plans to re-fit a second ambulance next year.
Now in its 30th year, the CCT provides patient transfer between hospitals throughout the United States and internationally. CCT’s three ambulances performed 1,132 ground transports in 2012, as well as assisted the CCT flying intensive care unit, a modified Cessna Citation Bravo jet aircraft, with 272 air transports.