Safely Remounting Ambulances: Where are the standards?

Over the last decade or so, the need for remounting ambulances has grown. Remounting units can save departments and organizations anywhere from 20-50% over buying new, and since many cities and departments are facing economic issues, remounted ambulances allow for upgrades, rebuilds, and repairs at a cost that is much more budget-friendly. Since the numbers of remounted ambulances are growing, the industry has decided that it’s time to think about what safety standards should be met specifically on remounts.

In July of 2016, the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) published the Ground Vehicle Standard (GVS) for new ambulances, but what about remounted ambulances? In reality, there are currently few to no standards that remounted ambulances must meet detailed in the GVS. This has prompted a second version, focused on safety requirements for remounted ambulances. GVS V2.0 is planned to be released in July 2019.

The CAAS and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working to define remount specifications or requirements for those who manufacture and remount ambulances. The biggest challenge that the CAAS and NFPA are facing is that the federal government classifies the company that will perform the remount as a manufacturer; that means that the company who remounts the ambulance oversees bringing the remounted model up to current Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

While bringing units up to FMVSS is easy on new ambulances, it can be a challenge on remounted ambulances. How can those who are remounting ensure that FMVSS requirements for installing new seating positions are met when customers request new configurations? What about the requests for new SAE safety features in older patient compartments? What about credentials like liability insurance for the builder, engineering analysis and standards compliance, and end-product testing? GVS announced the formation of an Ambulance Remount Work Group, who will develop recommendations for remount standards.

What’s the benefit of remounting with Braun? We manufacture new ambulances and are well-aware of the latest safety standards for new units. Our skilled and knowledgeable team knows how to help maximize your investment on an existing ambulance, while making sure your unit meets the latest industry standards for new. As the manufacturer of your original equipment, we also know the history of your unit from design and build to factory-direct service and maintenance. 

With Braun Ambulances, safety is always our focus. Factory direct remounts will ensure your ambulances are up to current standards. In addition, members of our internal team are actively attending meetings for the Ambulance Remount Work Group and staying abreast on the forthcoming remount specific standards. Our goal is to stay ahead of the changes and make certain we are doing everything at the manufacturer level to keep your patients and crew safe, whether in a new ambulance or remounted ambulances done at our facility.