Measurement of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in and around ambulances

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) with medical devices can threaten patient safety. More information is needed regarding circumstances in health care environments in which electromagnetic (EM) field strengths are expected to be high, such as emergency/transport. In ambulances medical devices and communications equipment must function properly in close proximity. This study characterized EM fields in and around ambulances under realistic conditions. Two types of ambulances were surveyed: the advanced life support (ALS) unit and the basic life support (BLS) unit. The surveys were conducted on-site using the ambulance mobile radio as the primary source of EM energy. Broadband field-strength measurements were collected at various locations in and around the ambulance to map interior and exterior EM field distributions. Nine ambulances were surveyed. In addition to the transmitter power and frequency, the field strengths measured were shown to be dependent upon the shielding provided by the ambulance roof and proximity of the measurement probe to the antenna. Field-strength measurements frequently exceeded the 3 V/m standard immunity level for devices set by the IEC Standard 601-1-2. The results indicate that the ambulance environment presents a considerable challenge to medical devices specifically used for emergency medical care. In order to assure their proper operation, medical devices used for transport emergency care must be able to withstand exposure to EM field strengths comparable to those reported in this study.