Research, innovation, and design for a new approach in healthcare vehicles

One of the most significant innovations in recent weeks for the world of ambulances had its first stage at REAS, the Montichiari Emergency Salon.

It is “Futura,” the new ambulance designed and built by the company Focaccia Group-a landmark in the design and transformation of passenger transport and emergency and rescue vehicles-which has been bringing its expertise and industrial approach to the medical vehicle sector for some years now.

New industry standard with innovation and design

“Futura” is already striking at first glance for its functionality and straightforward design, but what makes it a real turning point for the sector is the way it was conceived and developed by Focaccia Group designers. Indeed, the objective of the new ambulance is to set a new standard based on certified quality, modularity and ergonomics thanks to the adoption of construction techniques typical of the automotive sector and compliance with regulations and certifications.

A project born from listening to professionals in the sector

The process that led to the realization of the new Focaccia Group ambulance began in 2021, during the health emergency, with the collaboration of the Italian Society of Territorial Emergency Nurses (SIIET), which was asked what the characteristics of the “ideal” ambulance were. The listening, analysis and research phase similarly involved volunteer rescuers, nurses, physicians and driver-rescue workers, and then began a development phase focused on the rational study of space.

“The Focaccia Group ambulance project starts by listening to direct users,” confirms Simone Maltoni, the Group’s product development manager, “a fundamental phase that allows us to understand the market need. Then, the knowledge of the regulations and prescriptions provided by the Automobile Manufacturers allows us to obtain a product that is 100 percent certified and compliant with the entire regulatory framework, which for Focaccia Group is a must in every market segment.”

Ergonomics, modularity and quality

The research and development phase of “Futura” was guided by three key principles. “The first is ergonomics, to make sure that everything can be accessed by rescuers easily and safely, even while driving,” – continues Maltoni. “Then modularity, that is, making a flexible set-up that lends itself to customization according to the needs of those who use it. No less important, total quality, understood as intrinsic quality of the product, quality perceived by the customer and quality of the process.”

Futura: tomorrow’s ambulance, today

Today Futura can be defined as a “project in continuous development,” able to accommodate upgrades and additional components: everything responds to the logic of working so that every need of the rescue can be met, in accordance with national and international regulations.

Compliant with EN 1789, Focaccia Group’s “Futura” ambulance is now available on Fiat Professional Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, Opel Movano and Ford Transit, but from 2024 the offer will cover additional brands and models.

The five new features of the Futura Ambulance

Delving into the technical details, there are five features that immediately caught the eye:

1. Modularity of the interior, which allows the choice of functional solutions to every need for use;
2. Ease of cleaning, thanks to wall cabinets and pull-out compartments designed and made to Focaccia Group’s design, which facilitate operators’ work and cleaning operations. In addition, integrated into the set-up is the FG Micro H2O2 hydrogen peroxide atomizer (patented by Focaccia Group itself), for quick sanitization of the entire sanitary compartment;
3. Spaces, designed with the ergonomics of ambulance workers in mind, to allow operators and the doctor to have everything at hand with solutions that comply with regulations;
4. Interior lights, intelligently distributed throughout the healthcare compartment thanks to the asymmetrical roof, with full LED lighting and integrated grab bars, and lights installed under the wall cabinets for optimal lighting of the work surface;
5. Exterior lights, with a full perimeter and modular lighting system designed to ensure high efficiency and maximum visibility from all angles.

Attention to detail that is the flagship of Focaccia Group, which today collaborates with leading automakers to develop specific outfitting solutions in compliance with National and European Homologation regulations.

Sources

• Focaccia Group