IIT-M designed ambulances ply in Tamil Nadu

The ambulances were made based on design and technical recommendations from Healthcare Technology Innovation Centre (HTIC), IIT-Madras. 

The new design of the ambulance overcomes challenges like loading the transport incubator, accessing the neonate, maintaining a clean and safe environment and limited space. 

The design modifications made by the HTIC team included, installation of air suspension on base vehicle for easy loading on transport incubator by providing adjustable floor height. It also reduces shock and vibration due to air suspension which provides a better ride experience for neonate and EMT personnel. 

Adjustable EMT seats and additional foldable seats at the head of incubator provide improved access to neonate, a release from IIT-M here today said, adding, other additions like an exhaust fan with auto shutter ensured a safe and clean environment inside the ambulance. 

The release said the design elements and recommendations from HTIC during the project covered crucial aspects for improved safety and functionality of the neo-natal ambulances. 

With the addition of these 65 ambulances, the state will cover 32 districts and is expected to conduct over 28,000 neonatal transports annually, it added. 

IIT-M Director Prof Bhaskar Ramamurthi said research projects that yield direct and immediate benefits to the public form an important element of IIT-M’s contributions to society. 

In this context, it gives us great satisfaction that our design for ambulances, specifically meant for transporting new-borns that need care, has been deployed in our home state of Tamil Nadu, he added.