For decades, Braun Industries has been on the leading edge of ambulance safety. First, we defied standards in roof and side load testing; our module exceeded the required load capacity by 300%. Then, we made history in March 2016 by conducting the industry’s first ambulance rollover crash test. Shortly thereafter, we took the same ambulance through a side impact crash test and then a rollover test, seeking to replicate a real-world accident scenario. Today, we remain the only ambulance manufacturer to hit and roll over the same vehicle. Our ambulance models are fully compliant with Change Notice 10 and the most recent ambulance safety standards.
To learn more about how our side impact and rollover crash testing was conducted and what it means to you, we encourage you to watch this Facebook Live video featuring Production Compliance Engineer, Steve Merkle.
The side impact test was conducted using an Ford F-150 weighing over 4600 lbs. It was outfitted with accelerometers and rate sensors to measure the vehicle’s motion. It served as a bullet vehicle to impact the curbside of our new Braun ambulance. The Ford F-150 was travelling over 40 mph on impact. The impact created minor exterior body damage at the point of impact. The impact had no penetration into the occupant area…none!
The rollover test was conducted with the same ambulance utilized in the side impact test. This dynamic testing process generated a travel speed of over 25 mph before for the ambulance engaged the concrete track and began to rollover. The ambulance completed a full 360 degree rotation; landing on the wheels. The rollover created minor body damage at the points of impact. There was, again, no penetration into the occupant area…none! This ambulance has since been driven to multiple locations across the country for display and review by first responders.