More on ambulances - a change for EMS 2.0?

Boxes strapped to the back of a truck/van drive me nuts.
As our recent search for a Type 3 for over-snow use showed me, we don't have many options.
Ambulance design and safety are intriguing, and I spent a large amount of time being thoroughly unimpressed by the selection out there.

Look!  It's a bigger truck with a bigger box...

Just watching a 67 minute presentation called "Ambulance Construction 101"
http://www.jems.com/webinar/vehicle-ops/ambulance-construction-101-glo
(Slides stolen from this presentation)
This is a recorded presentation, and I think you should all go check it out.

The presenter, Wayne Zygowicz, attended the RETTmobil (mobile rescue) conference in Germany - I need to go to this, I think.  I am extremely impressed by the European EMS programs.  They employ safety experts, ergonomics experts (gasp!), engineers, solid statistics, and more to produce safer rigs and equipment for EMS providers.

DID YOU KNOW?
THE US AS A WHOLE DOES NOT MAINTAIN DATA ON EMS ACCIDENTS, FATALITIES, OR EVEN THE NUMBER OF AMBULANCES ON THE ROAD.

What does this cost us?  Glad you asked.

In contrast, there has been a European standard since the 1800's.  Standards.  Across multiple countries.  Really?  Can the US be this backward?  How long is it going to take before we make changes?

"I wonder, Is there an acceptable rate of mortality in any industry before an industry decides to take action and look at all the variables that can kill people?"  Good question, Wayne.

This webcast also goes through the construction process, chassis selection, and on to "Extreme Ambulance Makeovers" and spends a lot of time on the "Ambulance of the Future"

This Swedish rig complies with the European standard, and all the consumables are in ONE BAG.  Don't know how our folks would deal with this!  One patient, one ambulance = rig of the future.  Would definitely take a culture change in the US for sure, but a slim ambulance with just what the patient needs?  Crash tested? Comfortable to drive and ride in?  I think that's worth a culture change.