Analysis of movements and degrees of freedom required for a vibration attenuation system on ambulance stretchers

Luana Marques,Fernando Malvezzi,Konstantinos Dimitriou Stavropoulos

doi:10.21595/vp.2020.21330

Abstract

This work deals with an analysis of the acceleration level to which a patient is exposed during ambulance transportation. A dynamic analysis of ambulance movements has been approached considering some different operating conditions of the vehicle, such as braking, driving over speed bumps and on uneven pavements. The purpose of this study is providing sources for development of a system reducing vibration effects on the body when a patient is transported by ambulance.

Highlights

When a person is affected by sudden illness or has suffered more serious injuries in accident, he/she must be transported quickly and safely to a place for providing appropriate care
In the context mentioned above, this paper presents a dynamic analysis of an ambulance considering many operating conditions, such as braking, and driving on uneven pavement
The ambulance parameters applied to the simulations are compatible with Mercedes-Benz's Sprinter 415 CDI 7.5 m3 vehicle adapted to the intensive care unit (ICU) model, widely used for patients transport in Brazil

Summary

Introduction

When a person is affected by sudden illness or has suffered more serious injuries in accident, he/she must be transported quickly and safely to a place for providing appropriate care. In Brazil, ambulances usually have been either customized or adapted from cargo transport vehicles, such as trucks or vans. The vibration produced by uneven surface can affect the vital function of the human body (cardiovascular system, skeleton, central nervous system, respiratory system), and may aggravate still more the clinical condition of the patient [2]. In the case of patients who suffered heart attack, stroke, or have disabilities that cause chronic pain and discomfort (arthritis, multiple sclerosis, back pain), they require special care due to their increased sensitivity to vibrations generated during the transport, which may impact their health conditions [3]

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