This article was published in the February 2017 edition of NTEA News.
Ambulance Manufacturers Division (AMD), an NTEA affiliate since 1986, consists of ambulance, emergency and rescue 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 plans to address many initiatives in the next few years within the emergency vehicle and medical services industries, including continued occupant and vehicle safety research, criteria advancements and execution with partners such as National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) and governmental organizations like National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), General Services Administration (GSA), National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Department of Homeland Security. AMD members also participate in ambulance standards committees of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) and ASTM International.
Ten new recommended practices have been developed since 2010 for publication through SAE International under the safety research program collaboration with NIOSH, delivering advanced test methodologies for ambulance patient compartment seating and restraints, equipment mounts, and patient litters and restraints. AMD coordinates with other industry organizations to integrate SAE documents in future ambulance standards versions (e.g., Federal Star of Life Ambulance Specification used by GSA for government units). Standards documents for both NFPA and CAAS have been published; the latest versions took effect in 2016. GSA already incorporates several of the new SAE documents, working with other governmental agencies and the industry to oversee purchase specifications to facilitate this adjustment.
Division members serve on NASEMSO committees for ambulance vehicle licensing and state inspection criteria, which is mutually beneficial to both groups.