The Bavarian Red Cross has acquired new, specially-designed intensive care ambulances based on the Iveco EuroCargo; the Allison fully automatic transmission smoothly multiplies engine torque during vehicle start-up and delivers uninterrupted, continuous power shifts.
MAINZ, Germany – The Bavarian Red Cross in Germany has acquired three new intensive care ambulances, with a further three due for delivery, to cope with the increasing number of heavy patients it is being asked to care for and transfer. The key components of the 11,990 kg maximum gross vehicle weight vehicle are the Iveco 120E28/FP EuroCargo Euro VI chassis, Fahrtec-Systeme body, large capacity hydraulic tail lift and the Allison 3000 SeriesTM fully automatic transmission.
Changes in human body weight over recent years have put new demands on emergency services logistics and led to the design of a new generation of intensive care ambulances. Regular ambulances are rated for people up to a weight of approximately 200 kg, but an increasing number of people are much heavier. Body weights of 250 kg are now commonly encountered during intensive care ambulance duties. The result is the use of 12-tonne truck chassis for the first time.
The number of transfers of intensive care patients, from initial medical treatment at the nearest hospital to specialised clinics, has also increased. Intensive care patients require specially-adapted ambulances equipped with medical equipment such as artificial respirators, monitoring equipment, a variety of syringe pumps and special intensive care stretchers. Different HVAC systems are fitted and more working space around the patient is required.
The new intensive care ambulances feature a larger cab for three crew members and full air suspension. They have a hydraulic tail lift at the rear with a maximum carrying capacity of 1,500 kg (about 3,306 lbs). Thanks to this tail lift, easy loading and unloading of all sizes of patients is possible. The system is designed for a patient weight of up to 450 kg (992 lbs).
The Allison transmission works with a 6-cylinder diesel engine with 6,728 cc displacement and 207 kW (280 hp).
“The advantages of fully automatic transmissions are now fully recognised in rescue services. For years, our customers have been buying ambulances with this technology,” said Michael Voss, sales representative at Fahrtec-Systeme GmbH. “We are happy to be able now to offer this solution for the intensive care transport sector as well. In intensive care ambulances, patients with severe illnesses and those with unstable circulatory systems are transported; these are people who are highly sensitive to acceleration changes. Therefore, in my opinion, such a transmission should be basic equipment of every intensive care ambulance.”
Another aspect that led to the specification of Allison 3000 SeriesTM transmission for the intensive care ambulances on Iveco EuroCargo chassis is their reliability. “Allison transmissions have proven to be extremely reliable with minimal maintenance requirements, and the reliability of the equipment is a fundamental requirement for fire and rescue services” said Lukas Königbauer, key account manager at Iveco Magirus.
In emergency use, the special advantages of the fully automatic transmissions are quickly apparent. “It is important to keep patient discomfort to a minimum,” said Stephan Marker, market developer at Allison Transmission. “The torque converter provides a smooth, uninterrupted power transfer without any shift jerking and the electronic controls of the Allison fully automatic transmission always select the right gear. Driving noise is minimised using sophisticated planetary gears in the transmission, so that the patient is not exposed to any additional noise-induced stress during the transport.”
With the weight of individuals on the rise, the demands on emergency vehicles will also increase. Allison Automatics enable these vehicles to meet those demands with reliability and durability, while helping to protect the components of the vehicle driveline.
About Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission (NYSE: ALSN) is the world’s largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Allison transmissions are used in a variety of applications including refuse, construction, fire, distribution, bus, motorhomes, defense and energy. Founded in 1915, the company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and employs approximately 2,900 people worldwide. With a market presence in more than 80 countries, Allison has regional headquarters in the Netherlands, China and Brazil with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Hungary and India. Allison also has approximately 1,400 independent distributor and dealer locations worldwide. For more information, visit allisontransmission.com.
About Fahrtec-Systeme GmbH
Fahrtec-Systeme GmbH is the only German manufacturer to produce superstructures for rescue vehicles and intensive care ambulances in welded aluminum-skeleton construction. Thanks to the robustness and safety of its exchangeable superstructure systems, Fahrtec-Systeme GmbH has established itself as the market leader for ambulance bodies on truck chassis in the German market. With its craftsman-driven production philosophy, Fahrtec-Systeme is able to fulfill almost all individual customer requirements. The company employs around 195 people at the Neubrandenburg site and produces around 200 new vehicles per year. In addition, the company transfers approximately 100 body units to newer carrier vehicles each year, so that the customer can use the superstructure for a second vehicle cycle.
For more information, visit www.fahrtec-systeme.de