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Rethinking the neonatal transport ground ambulance
Carlo Bellini1, Martina de Biasi2, Maurizio Gente3
1Neonatal Emergency Transport Service, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department Mother & Child, IRCCS Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy. carlobellini@gaslini.org.
Italian Journal of Pediatrics
|August 9, 2019
Summary
A new Type D ambulance design is proposed for neonatal emergency transport service (NETS), as current European standards overlook specialized neonatal care needs during transit.
Area of Science:
- Medical Engineering
- Neonatal Care
- Emergency Medical Services
Background:
- European Community (EC) regulations for road ambulances primarily address adult patient transport.
- Existing ambulance designs (Type C) are inadequate for the unique requirements of neonatal critical care.
- Neonatal emergency transport service (NETS) requires specialized equipment and environmental controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the design of a dedicated ground ambulance specifically for neonatal emergency transport.
- To highlight the deficiencies in current EC ambulance standards for neonatal care.
- To propose a new ambulance classification (Type D) for neonatal transport.
Main Methods:
- Project planning included electrical and gas supply systems.
- Interior design focused on ergonomics and occupant safety during transit and medical procedures.
- Incorporation of specialized neonatal care equipment was a key design consideration.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive project for a Type D neonatal ambulance is presented.
- Key differentiations from Type C ambulances include specialized gas cylinders (air, iNO), phototherapy, advanced patient support systems (shock-absorbing stretcher, cooling device), placenta refrigeration, and a transcutaneous gas analyzer.
- The design facilitates optimal care during neonatal transport.
Conclusions:
- Current EC ambulance standards are insufficient for neonatal transport.
- Adapting existing Type C ambulances for NETS is not feasible.
- A new Type D ambulance classification dedicated to neonatal transport is essential and recommended for EC consideration.
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