WO2000034110A9 - Snow ambulance vehicle rescue system and method - Google Patents
Snow ambulance vehicle rescue system and methodInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000034110A9 WO2000034110A9 PCT/US1999/029086 US9929086W WO0034110A9 WO 2000034110 A9 WO2000034110 A9 WO 2000034110A9 US 9929086 W US9929086 W US 9929086W WO 0034110 A9 WO0034110 A9 WO 0034110A9
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- housing
- injured
- rescue
- set forth
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D55/00—Endless track vehicles
- B62D55/06—Endless track vehicles with tracks without ground wheels
- B62D55/065—Multi-track vehicles, i.e. more than two tracks
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to a rescue system and method of using the same, and in particular is directed to a mobile snow ambulance vehicle capable of traversing various difficult terrains to transport injured individuals along with one or more health care professionals.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,573,300 to Simmons is directed to a golfcart-type emergency response module wherein interchangeable modules are provided that can be installed on a number of small utility vehicles.
- Such a device is admittedly of a limited size and often is incapable of traversing the difficult terrain experienced in emergency situations.
- the modules described by Simmons for ambulance and fire rescue purposes are of an open air construction and therefore are not suitable for use in severe weather situations.
- they do not allow for one or more health practitioners to accompany and work on an injured patient during transit to a hospital.
- U.S. Patent No. 4,389,066 to Weir et al. discloses a rescue unit towed by a snowmobile and includes a frame with attached skis.
- U. S . Patent No. 5,242, 176 to Hendrickson discloses a rescue sled adapted to be pulled by a snowmobile.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,306,026 to Jesse is directed to a rescue toboggan.
- U.S. Patent No. 3,746,357 to Haskins is directed to an ambulance sled for towing with a snowmobile.
- the present invention is generally directed to a vehicle that can traverse the snowy, muddy and hard pavement surfaces that may be encountered in any particular environment without the jarring nature of transport experienced in all prior art vehicles.
- the spacious housing provided on the rescue vehicle of the present invention accommodates not only at least one injured patient, but also at least one medical health care provider.
- the present invention provides a vehicle and method for treating victims experiencing a trauma and/or emergency situation (e.g., heart attack, broken bones, etc.) during the transport of such victims to a health care facility.
- a trauma and/or emergency situation e.g., heart attack, broken bones, etc.
- a rescue vehicle system and method includes a vehicle having at least one and preferably four tracks that propel the vehicle across rough, muddy or snowy terrain, such vehicle provided with an enclosed housing having at least one access door providing therein through which a patient can be conveyed.
- a patient is transported in relative comfort and is protected from the outside environment within the housing, such housing further provided with rescue equipment, preferably medical devices, instruments and provisions so that the patient can be medically administered during transport to a health care center.
- the housing of the present invention is large enough to accommodate not only an injured patient but also at least one health care provider.
- the housing contains at least two beds or cots in addition to other medical equipment that may be required under typical rescue situations such as broken bones of skiers/snow boarders, heart attach victims in remote areas, etc.
- the rescue vehicle of the present invention is further provided with sirens and warning lights positioned on and about the vehicle and the housing to provide both audible and visible warnings.
- Figure 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing a four track vehicle with a snow ambulance housing unit attached thereto;
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interior of the rescue vehicle as illustrated in
- Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the present invention illustrating one embodiment having double opening doors to facilitate easy conveyance of patients into and out of the vehicle.
- the present invention in one embodiment is directed to a snow ambulance 10 comprising a snow cat vehicle 12 having at least one, more preferably two and even more preferably four, track rollers 14 which contact the ground and provide the necessary traction to move the vehicle across the ground.
- the tracks themselves are preferably of a durable material and can be manufactured from conventional belted metal tracks used on conventional snowcats. In a preferred embodiment, however, the tracks are constructed from either a rubber, plastic or neopreen-type material which can then be used to traverse sand, mud, snow, as well as traditional pavement without injuring paved surfaces.
- Suitable track units can be obtained, for example, from Tucker Manufacturing, Medford, Oregon, Bombadier, Canada, and Larson Manufacturing Company, Plainview, Texas.
- Appropriate transmission elements, torsion bar elements, etc. can be provided by one of skill in the art, for example, the transmission described in U.S. Patent No. 4,181,042 to Archer (incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference), as well as the provision of appropriate torsion bar systems, for example, that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,743,314 (incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference).
- the entirety of U.S. Patent Nos. 3,787,099 and 3,857,616 are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.
- An enclosed cabin 16 is attached or otherwise integral with the vehicle 10, such cabin being reversibly closeable to isolate individuals therein from the outside environment.
- the interior of the housing 16 is preferably accommodated with various elevated supports 18 for which injured individuals may recline.
- at least two supports for injured individuals are provided, more preferably three and most preferably four.
- two of such gurney/cots can be suspended from the ceiling and walls of the housing unit 16.
- the housing is of sufficient dimensions to accommodate at least one and preferably two healthcare providers in addition to the four injured patients.
- Chairs or other supporting surfaces are provided inside the housing to accommodate such medical personnel during transport.
- An appropriate ventilation system 20 can be provided to ensure a proper temperature and humidity environment within the interior of the housing 16.
- Medical instruments and supplies used in the treatment of patients during transport can be stored in various compartments 22 and elevated hooks 24 for hanging intravenous fluid bags (not shown) are provided at appropriate positions within the interior of the housing 16.
- the preferred embodiment provides for two opposing beds or gurney supports 18, in addition to at least one chair or ledge 19 that can accommodate a medical health care provider.
- the corners of the interior of the housing 16 can be provided with running water facilities 21 to facilitate cleaning of instruments, patient wounds, etc.
- the housing 16 is provided with power either through auxiliary batteries or through electrical connections with the vehicle 12 itself.
- the upper portion of the vehicle 12 is preferably provided with one or more emergency warning lights 26 and sirens.
- the sirens and warning lights 26 can also be mounted on top of the snow ambulance housing enclosure 16.
- the snow ambulance of the present invention is mounted on a chassis, for example one manufactured by Tucker Snow-Cat, Medford, Oregon, Larson Manufacture, Plainview, Texas, etc.
- Other suitable vehicles 12, however, can be utilized, particularly vehicles having one or more tracks capable of traversing snow, marshy, muddy and rocky terrains.
- vehicles having suspension systems that reduce, if not largely eliminate, the jarring motions that may be experienced by an injured patient within the housing 16 during transport.
- Various suspension mechanism are known in the art and can be included and used with the rescue delivery vehicle 10 of the present invention.
- the housing 16 itself is constructed preferably from rigid materials, and preferably sheet metal.
- the housing 16 is preferably insulated to protect the inhabitants thereof from the extremes of weather conditions experienced in the winter back country. Appropriate ventilation systems and/or windows, air holes, etc. can be provided depending upon the particular use and design of any particular housing unit 16.
- collapsible self contained trauma care units such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,755,478 (the entirety of which is incorporated herein by this reference) can be attached to the rescue vehicle 12 in any appropriate manner, thus providing a rescue vehicle 10 that can traverse terrains that are inaccessible by a wheeled vehicle.
- the present invention while primarily directed to a snow ambulance application, also finds application in other various rescue situations, for example as a response vehicle for forest fires, military uses, etc.
- various configurations of the housing 16 and the interior thereof can be accommodated with appropriate emergency gear for the particular use at hand.
- the various gear and accessories described in U.S. Patent No. 5,573,300 can be incorporated into the present housing 16.
- compressed air foam, extinguishing systems, water tanks, hose reels, fire nozzles, fire axes, ladders, and other types of fire rescue equipment can be accommodated in the various cabinets 22 or storage spaces, hooks 24 and other compartments within the interior of the housing 16.
- the ambulance vehicle 10 of the present invention is also provided with fire extinguishing equipment since ambulance rescue of injured military personnel often necessitates the extinguishing of fires, explosions, live ordinance, etc. prior to effective rescue procedures being implemented.
- the vehicle 12 and/or housing 16 is provided with fire retardants for extinguishing agents, including compressed foam agents that rely upon very little water to achieve fire suppression.
- An appropriate fire hose turret or traditional reel hose can be fitted to the vehicle for easy access by personnel.
- another embodiment of the invention provides for the positioning of weapons on or operatively associated with the housing 16 or vehicle 12 itself to further provide military defense protection for positions and injured patients during transport thereof.
- exterior hooks and/or reversibly pivoting support surfaces can be provided on the exterior of the housing 16 in order to accommodate additional gurneys, cots, or other support surfaces which can support injured individuals.
- the exterior of the housing can also accommodate further reclining and/or sitting injured patients in the event numerous individuals must be transported from a remote location.
- the snow ambulance vehicle 10 of the present invention comprises the following components: four rolls of track operatively associated with four carrier assemblies with wheels and sprockets; two differential assemblies; two turn table assemblies; one frame assembly; four springs and/or air bag suspension systems; front and rear drive shaft assemblies; a power plant, preferably diesel; one Allison transmission or Funk transmission; one fuel system; one cab with full instrumentation and two seats provided therein; front and rear lighting; one hood bonnet; and one wire harness and/or one electronic system.
- the vehicle 10 further has a modular box attached to the chassis which incorporates a built in oxygen system; a litter hold down mechanism; and public warning devices including a siren, flashing light bar, etc.
- the vehicle 10 of the present invention has a pair of doors that open independently and/or together in order to provide easy ingress and egress from the interior housing compartment.
- warning lights of various desired colors are mounted about each face of the housing unit itself and may be positioned on top of the housing unit as desired.
- the housing unit can be made in a modular fashion so that it can be disassociated from the vehicle itself, freeing such vehicle for use with other types of modular units (fire rescue units, etc.).
- the housing 16 is further provided with an avalanche escape ceiling portal (not shown) which is preferably sized to accommodate the exit from the interior of the housing unit through the roof of the vehicle/housing in the event of a snow slide, etc.
- an avalanche escape ceiling portal (not shown) which is preferably sized to accommodate the exit from the interior of the housing unit through the roof of the vehicle/housing in the event of a snow slide, etc.
- other embodiments of the present invention have access portals between the housing 16 and the vehicle cab 12, thus permitting the driver or passenger in the vehicle to access the interior of the housing compartment.
- the vehicle of the present invention complies with the national road ambulance protocol in the United States. Another important feature of the present invention is directed to a vehicle shut-off mechanism whereby an individual standing outside of the vehicle and housing can operate such mechanism to cease movement of the vehicle.
- a cable shut-off mechanism is utilized which when operated interrupts the flow of fuel to the vehicle's engine.
- Another safety feature of the present invention includes a video camera positioned so that the operator of the vehicle can clearly view the area behind the vehicle that would otherwise be visually inaccessible even through the use of traditional mirrors. Again, in emergency situations where the motions are running high, such safety features are deemed extremely important in preserving the safety of emergency response individuals.
- One aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for treating trauma patients, including individuals who have suffered heart attacks on ski slopes or have collided with either other skiers/snowboarders or other obstacles on a ski slope such as trees, posts, chairlift poles, etc.
- the method is directed to provision of a vehicle having at least one ground contacting tract (similar to a tank track) that propels the vehicle across various different terrains.
- the vehicle tracks are preferably made of a rubber or plastic material so that they can traverse not only rocky, snowy and muddy terrains, but can also travel effectively across dirt roads and pavement.
- the present invention is distinguished from snowmobile vehicles that operate on ski-like ground contacting members for either support or steering mechanisms.
- the present invention does not utilize any type of skilike ground contacting member.
- an injured individual is accessed by having the accident reported to the snow ambulance vehicle via standard telecommunication and/or walkie talkie means. The operator of the vehicle then proceeds to the site of the accident and/or injured person and transports the person into the interior of the vehicle housing 16.
- one particular advantage of the present invention is the fact that medical care can be immediately provided to an injured party prior to reaching a final healthcare destination. Given the warm and relatively comfortable confines of the housing of the present invention, a patient is also put at ease and is removed from extreme weather conditions that may exist, allowing the person to be stripped of clothing that may hinder an otherwise proper diagnosis of what injuries may exist.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU23554/00A AU2355400A (en) | 1998-12-08 | 1999-12-08 | Snow ambulance vehicle rescue system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11141198P | 1998-12-08 | 1998-12-08 | |
US60/111,411 | 1998-12-08 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000034110A1 WO2000034110A1 (en) | 2000-06-15 |
WO2000034110A9 true WO2000034110A9 (en) | 2001-03-29 |
Family
ID=22338389
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/029086 WO2000034110A1 (en) | 1998-12-08 | 1999-12-08 | Snow ambulance vehicle rescue system and method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2355400A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000034110A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101941473A (en) * | 2010-09-14 | 2011-01-12 | 中国人民解放军军事医学科学院卫生装备研究所 | All terrain crawler type sanitary emergency ambulance |
CN109466402A (en) * | 2018-10-13 | 2019-03-15 | 广东嗨学云教育科技有限公司 | A kind of earthquake rescue robot with safeguard function |
CN110329368A (en) * | 2019-07-30 | 2019-10-15 | 哈工程先进技术研究院(招远)有限公司 | Miniature self-service drives snowfield crawler type relief car |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2414329A1 (en) * | 1978-01-11 | 1979-08-10 | Atlantique Atel Const Mec | LARGE AUTONOMY AND AEROTRANSPORTABLE ALL-TERRAIN MEDICAL VEHICLE |
US4448273A (en) * | 1981-12-18 | 1984-05-15 | Barbieri Louis C | Endless track attachment for a vehicle |
US4719982A (en) * | 1986-11-07 | 1988-01-19 | Shaver Allen L | Apparatus for converting a road vehicle into a snowmobile |
US5573300A (en) * | 1994-12-19 | 1996-11-12 | Simmons; Michael C. | Utility vehicles with interchangeable emergency response modules |
US5755478A (en) * | 1995-06-06 | 1998-05-26 | Northrop Grumman Corporation | Mobile self-contained trauma care system |
CA2188103C (en) * | 1995-10-18 | 1999-08-10 | Kazumasa Okumura | Crawler apparatus for vehicle |
SE506460C2 (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1997-12-15 | Haegglunds Vehicle Ab | Banded Motor Vehicles |
US6029750A (en) * | 1996-11-08 | 2000-02-29 | Carrier; Brian E. | All terrain fire-fighting vehicle |
US6007166A (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 1999-12-28 | Tucker Sno-Cat Corporation | Endless track unit for four-tracked vehicles |
-
1999
- 1999-12-08 WO PCT/US1999/029086 patent/WO2000034110A1/en active Search and Examination
- 1999-12-08 AU AU23554/00A patent/AU2355400A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2355400A (en) | 2000-06-26 |
WO2000034110A1 (en) | 2000-06-15 |
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