New SCDF ambulance equipped to carry up to two patients; enhanced safety features for occupants

Singapore's emergency services are set to become more efficient with the introduction of new Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) ambulances, capable of transporting up to two patients simultaneously. The seventh-generation (Gen 7E) ambulances, unveiled on July 9, are the same size as their predecessors but have been redesigned to enhance road safety and medical care delivery. Since their operationalisation, these ambulances have been deployed across Singapore, bringing the SCDF's fleet of 108 ambulances to a new level.

The Gen 7E ambulances are equipped with an advanced air suspension system for the patient cabin and stretcher platform, reducing road vibrations. This feature is vital for patients with spinal injuries or those undergoing chest compressions. The new ambulance also features a pulley mechanism on its stretcher loading system, reducing the force required for patient transfers.

Additionally, side-facing bench seats for paramedics allow direct patient care without the need to unbuckle themselves, and high-mobility seatbelts facilitate easy patient repositioning.

To keep the interior sterile, the ambulance features a four-tier decontamination system for infection control. Its air-conditioning ventilation system includes photocatalytic oxidation air purification, constantly disinfecting the vehicle throughout its journey. If required, paramedics can activate an antibacterial blue-light system for enhanced disinfection. When unoccupied, the ambulance will spray a mist of disinfectant, and an ultraviolet disinfection system can be used for thorough cleaning.

Driver safety features in the Gen 7E ambulance include a driver alert system, height sensor, and 360-degree exterior camera. These improvements offer the driver greater situational awareness. Externally, the new ambulance boasts reflective decals with heightened visibility, covering all sides of the vehicle. A high-visibility LED display built into the rear alerts motorists of critical patients or ongoing resuscitation. The display can also be used to direct traffic at incident sites.

SCDF's chief medical officer, David Pflug, emphasized the Gen 7E's role in setting a new standard for pre-hospital care and ambulance crew and patient safety. The ambulance empowers paramedics to perform life-saving resuscitations while remaining safely restrained, ensuring the highest standards of pre-hospital care during conveyance. With the population ageing, SCDF expects the number of emergency calls to rise in the next five years due to the increasing demand from an ageing population.