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 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 it easier to find critical equipment when you need it. It also ensures that objects do not become dangerous projectiles in the event of a crash or hard stop.
Furthermore, ambulance disinfection is essential to protect patient health. All surfaces of the ambulance 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. Making sure the vehicle interior is in proper condition includes making sure all equipment mounts are secure. It’s also a good idea to regularly test equipment to ensure everything is working as it should so it is ready when you need it.
#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, test the lights and siren speakers regularly. The last thing you want is your EMS squad to be trying 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. Check the ambulance tires’ air pressure each day before going out on the road. If the tires have low tire pressure, it can be difficult and unsafe to travel at high speeds. The 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 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 more about how to keep your ambulance in good condition all year long.