On Thin Ice

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_yorkshire/7769953.stm
takes you to the media view of what happened when an ambulance was conveying an already very sick child from Preston to Leeds
This always makes my stomach somersault. I feel sick and this time is no different.
We'll turn out to all manner of bumps and prangs but seeing one of your own type as i see this one makes me feel distinctly uncomfortable.
My hopes and thoughts go out to all involved.
For those inside and those who turned out to attend this incident.

Looking from a crew member perspective i hope that the crew involved have all the help they need. That they are not pre-judged as is so easy to do. That management explore what has happened with a sympathetic, empathetic and understanding heart.

thank you to the bbc for this pic.

I also hope that the services across the UK look even more closely at crew safety.
The fact that we have to stand to do anything indicates that we are using vehicles that are too big.
By rights, we should be able to do emergency work within the confines of something no or little bigger than a Renault Espace/ Ford Galaxy.
They allow some height for forward vision but also afford less chance of turning over in the event of a slippery incident. The attendant can remain sat and find kit within easy reach and be safe.
they're also alot more comfortable than vehicles in the light goods sector.
Mercedes make great cars that are very comfortable. Mercedes make great lorries that are very comfortable but the LGV sector is forgotten. Not just by Mercedes but VW, Renault, Ford etc etc. They are perceived as moving merchandise over comparitively short distances.
Lorries may be carrying loads but they travel significant distances so the driver must feel comfortable for as along as possible. Cars need to appeal to everyone else so they, too, have a better ride.

If we must continue to use LGVs for ambulances then the companies must look at improving suspension and general ride comfort... and stability.
It wouldn't go amiss if councils were more aware of the state of their roads and actively did something positive to rectify the bumpiness that is in existence all over the UK.

The other knock-on effect of bad roads is the damage done to vehicles. We regularly have suspension and bearing issues as the front wheels (usually the nearside) drop into potholes. The rest of the weight of the vehicle follows and creates further damage - to say nothing about playing rock n roll on some poor spinal case perched on a long board after parting company with their 1000cc machine on a marble-laden corner in mid Wales.
Helicopters are not always available and air ambulances.

The ambulance service is just that. The National Health Service is just that. Whilst each require a business plan of some description it should not be forgotten that the NHS and it's various departments is...... a service.
It is the biggest money pit but if this country truly wants the best healthcare system in the world then money does have to be put in. And a few more indians and a few less chiefs wouldn't go amiss.

Again, my thoughts go to all involved with the accident.

Deadly Cargo

I am preoccupied with death on the roads but then too many people do suffer terrible injuries on the roads of the UK and a whole host of others do not live to tell the tale.
And sometimes we know who our killer is... as is shown on a safety ad. from almost 10 years ago.
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/seatbelts/seatbelts.htm where a rear seat passenger is not strapped in so is flung forward following a front-end impact killing the driver.

It never ceases to amaze me that people think they can save their babies in the event of a
collision with them sat on their laps.All people in a motor vehicle should be strapped in and strapped in properly. No child seat is too expensive for your child. If you can't afford one then

1. don't have a car etc
or
2. don't have children

It's quite simple really.

Other things should be suitably secured as well. Even an empty CD case on the parcel shelf can deal a nasty blow in a collision.
We're very good at making sure our box of a dozen eggs is secure since they are so obviously fragile but who gives a toss about the humans beings in transit, eh?



Whilst I am in road safety mode, the lumpy thing attached to the top of the back of your seat is not a headrest it is a head restraint. It needs to be set at the correct height for whoever is sat in that seat. This includes the rear seats where restraints are fitted!. If they are too low, par example, and another driver rear-ends the motor that you are in there is a chance of not simply suffering from whiplash but of dying due to something called HYPEREXTENSION. If not dying then possibly landing you in a wheelchair unable to feed yourself. [hyperflexion is also involved as the neck snaps forward again]

...............................One of the new breed of restraints as found on SAABs