This article was published in the August 2022 edition of NTEA News.
Ambulance Manufacturers Division (AMD), an NTEA affiliate division since 1986, consists of manufacturers of ambulance, rescue and emergency vehicles, and equipment, as well as related distribution and service providers. The group strives to grow and enhance its market segment; gain and share details on emergency vehicle functionality; build connections with other industry segments; encourage product innovation; and support progress of industry safety requirements and programs.
AMD has addressed many initiatives in the emergency vehicle and medical services industries, including continued occupant and vehicle safety research criteria advancements and execution with governmental organizations like National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), General Services Administration (GSA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and partners such as National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO). AMD members participate in ambulance and related standards committees of SAE International, NASEMSO, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).
Ten recommended practices have been developed and maintained since 2010 through SAE International under the safety research program collaboration with NIOSH, delivering advanced test methodologies for ambulance patient compartment seating and restraints, patient litters and restraints, and equipment mounts. AMD coordinates with other industry organizations to integrate SAE documents in future ambulance standards versions. GSA, NFPA and CAAS have incorporated the new SAE documents into their respective vehicle requirements. Additionally, the group manages the AMD Standardized Test Methods (formerly known as AMD Standards), updated in 2020, which serve as test procedures to verify requirements of GSA, NFPA and CAAS.
AMD maintains strong relationships with many chassis manufacturers and greatly appreciates their ongoing support and product updates to their emergency vehicle chassis.
How to join
To be eligible for AMD membership, an applicant must satisfy the qualifications to be either a Governing or Associate Member. A Governing Member must be an NTEA manufacturer member in good standing engaged in the manufacture of ambulances and/or rescue or emergency medical vehicles in North America. An Associate Member applicant must be an NTEA associate, manufacturer or distributor member in good standing engaged in associated industries in North America (defined to include United States, Canada and Mexico).
For more information or to join, email Steve Spata, NTEA senior technical assistance director, at steves@ntea.com.