This article was published in the June 2020 edition of NTEA News.
Ambulance Manufacturers Division (AMD), an NTEA affiliate division since 1986, consists of ambulance, rescue and emergency vehicle, and related emergency apparatus and equipment manufacturers. 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 published 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 completed revisions on AMD Standardized Test Methods (formerly known as AMD Standards) for 2019, 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.
Learn more at ntea.com/amd or contact Steve Spata, NTEA technical assistance director, at steves@ntea.com.