And the paramedics

My first one was a Ferno model 30 back in the 90's. My back remembers them well :)

@@markgrutz yeah, my back agrees. The biggest thing I always remember (pun intended) was a patient we had that was over 500 lbs and had to use that stretcher in a special ambulance that had the stretcher mounted in the center. We had to use that stretcher because that was the only ambulance that my company had that could fit her. I also remember that most people hurt themselves not on the big patients (they were prepared for that) but always on the tiny people because they think, oh you're light, piece of cake, and then they throw their back out.

I started on the ambulance back in 1972 . No electric cots, but a Ferno model 100 . Also, the 1st rig I worked out of was a 1970 Oldsmobile with 42 inches of head room from the load floor to the interior ceiling. That was back before the tv series, " Emergency".

Yep, Model 30 variable height ambulance cot in October 1971. My first cardiac arrest transport was in a low top Pontiac with the hanging hardware for a 3rd patient jabbing my back with each compression. Elder valve resucitater, oropharyngeal airway and Laerdol suction. Poor guy never had a chance.

@@mysterymayhem7020 we still don't have electric supported cots today ...

Working 10 years

To provide the power for the equipment?

The solar panels charge the emergency vehicle's secondary battery which powers on-board equipment such as defibrillators, satellite navigations systems and communication devices. Before, ambulances had to let their engines run idle while on standby between emergency calls in order to keep the equipment charged.

they're gone decoration, what else would they be for? fun?

Our ambulances get plugged in to the mains between calls. Solar panels wouldn't work for us as we keep our ambulances in a hall

Ferno

Because their're cheap to run & maintain and reliable engine.

@@thatswiss1385 yeah cheap they are.... But compared to a sprinter/crafter they are worse in every other aspect.

I remember the transition in the 1980's from Cadillac-type coaches to the van-based chassis. Many a patient felt every little bump with those hip fractures. One US ambulance builder actually special ordered ambulance prep chassis with ride modifications, and built an all metal interior. Almost limo quality ride.