Design of Stretcher Foundation by Considering Factual Condition in Rural and Semi- Urban Areas

Abstract

In this paper, we are have discussed the suspension system which will provide additional suspension to the stretcher in developing the ambulances in rural and semi-urban areas across India. Currently, in India, 69% population lives in rural areas were the development is the main issue. Considering the roads of such rural and semi-urban areas where the road conditions are worst, the idea for this project is born. Patients in rural and semi-urban areas who are suffering from orthopedic injuries/accidents experience extreme pain while traveling through ambulance till the time of admission in hospital. This might be due to deteriorated conditions of the road or faulty suspensions systems in vehicles.
The objective of this project is to understand the problems in the ambulance services by isolating/reducing them. The team conducted many surveys related to ambulance and patients and vibration data is collected. Through this survey, it was discovered that road vibrations that were transmitted into the patient compartment are the main problems in ambulance services. These vibrations were known to decrease the ability of paramedics to perform the tests and treatments needed while simultaneously increasing the stress experienced by patients. This problem can be solved by developing a prototype of stretcher by various concepts of design for Comfort of patients (Ergonomics) and to isolate the vibrations coming to a stretcher.