The Bavarian Red Cross in Germany has acquired three new intensive care ambulances, with a further three due for delivery, to cope with an increasing number of bariatric patients.

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 Series 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 crewmembers 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 commonly recognised in rescue services. For years, our customers have been buying ambulances with this technology,' said Michael Voss, Sales Representative at Fahrtec-Systeme. ‘We are happy to be able to offer this solution for the intensive-care transport sector as well. Patients with severe illnesses and those with unstable circulatory systems are transported in these intensive care ambulances. These people are highly sensitive to acceleration changes. Therefore, a fully-automatic transmission system should be standard equipment on every intensive care ambulance.'

Another aspect that led to the specification of Allison 3000 Series transmission for the intensive care ambulances on Iveco EuroCargo chassis is their reliability. ‘Allison Transmissions has proven to be extremely reliable with minimal maintenance requirements, and the reliability of the equipment is a fundamental requirement for ambulance services as well as fire and rescue services,' said Lukas Königbauer, Key Account Manager at Iveco Magirus.

‘When used during emergencies, the particular advantages of fully-automatic transmission systems are immediately apparent. It is important to keep patient discomfort to a minimum,' commented 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.