Ensuring your ambulance stays in good condition impacts the effectiveness of your EMS squad and the safety of those you transport. Driving an ambulance that works right can be the difference between life and death. There are laws in place to dictate the upkeep of emergency vehicles because lives depend on them being safe and working correctly at all times.
In addition to risking patient safety, having an old and rundown ambulance can lead to severe and costly safety violations. Any EMS team knows that maintaining the emergency vehicles is crucial. Keep reading for five tips to keep your ambulance in tip-top shape.
#1: Keep the Vehicle Clean at All Times
Keeping the ambulance clean, tidy, and organized makes finding critical equipment easier when needed. It also ensures that objects do not become dangerous projectiles during a crash or hard stop.
Furthermore, ambulance disinfection is essential to protect patient health. All ambulance surfaces require cleaning and sanitizing multiple times a day to maintain a sterile environment.
#2: Secure Equipment Mounts
If a piece of equipment happens to come loose during a crash or fast stop, it can cause injury to EMS staff or patients. Keeping the vehicle interior in proper condition includes ensuring all equipment mounts are secure. It’s also a good idea to regularly test equipment to ensure everything works as it should, so it is ready when needed.
#3: Keep Up with Regular System Inspections and Tune-Ups
Just like any vehicle, an ambulance requires regular system inspections and tune-ups. Investing in professional ambulance maintenance services will ensure the vehicle works optimally for as long as possible. Find a reliable service provider who performs a 125-point inspection and routine maintenance. Even better, look for a provider who specializes in servicing ambulances.
#4: Test Lights and Siren Speakers Regularly
To keep your ambulance in peak condition, regularly test the lights and siren speakers. The last thing you want is for your EMS squad to try to get to a call quickly with a siren or lights that don’t work. A daily check of siren speakers and lights will help you identify loose wires or blown fuses and prevent a worst-case scenario.
#5: Perform Tire Inspections
Your emergency response vehicle must have top-quality tires in excellent condition. Before going on the road, check the ambulance tires’ air pressure daily. If the tires have low tire pressure, traveling at high speeds can be difficult and unsafe. Proper tire inflation will also increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Let Us Help You Maintain Your Ambulance
The professional team at Trinity Apparatus can provide the ambulance maintenance and repairs your vehicle needs to operate at its best. Our experts are dedicated to supporting the local EMS with knowledgeable and attentive service. Connect with us online or call 936-494-2552 to learn how to keep your ambulance in good condition all year.