Ambulance, as it is known to us to transport patients to hospitals, is in service since 1487 first used by SPANISH. Thereafter, due to the good advancement of technology a few modern ambulances well equipped with various emergency gadgets such as oxygen cylinders, ventilators etc. are now in use.
However such facility is available only in the urban area, but not in the rural area. There are many remote villages exist in India, where there is no electricity, petrol, diesel etc. To take patients to a hospital which is always at distance apart is a difficult task even today.
The idea of manufacturing a human-pedaled cycle rickshaw ambulance named as “Grameen Ambulance” thus came into the picture. A few mech engs. diploma students of Aryabhatt Institute of Technology, (Govt of Delhi), took a special challenge, to innovate a new transport facility for rural patients and dead bodies at occasions.
The space required to carry at least one patient and two attendants were considered as 7 feet by 5 feet. Due to difficult roads in remote rural areas, it was decided to drive the vehicle by two human powers. Accordingly, the front drive would be pulled by pedaling the front wheel and a flexible rear drive was considered to push at the same time by another, if required, from the back.
To make it sturdy and robust, four wheels had been designed. The normally available axle being used for rickshaw/van etc. of 3 feet and 6 inches was insufficient. Therefore, one 5 feet axle had been made ready specially by casting
To ease of carrying, the side walls of the ambulance were being kept open. In case of rain etc. thick plastic enclosure could be mounted in no time. The roof was designed by using cotton polyester yen(canvas). The total cost of the vehicle was Rs, 36000/- which would be reduced to a great extent under mass production.
The dream of manufacturing such vehicle would finally be fulfilled, if,
(i) it is launched finally to benefit the rural population, and
(ii) it is further being modified by adding values like;
(a) Solar powered panel and motor.
(b) Tubeless tires, to avoid immediate repair of punctures.
(c) Few essential/emergency gadgets like first aid/oxygen cylinder/saline or glucose drip system etc
We hope, NGOs/CSR teams from reputed organizations like Hero/tyre companies and last but not the least, Health and Transport Deptts. of Govt of India may take this project forward for its mass manufacturing and humanistic contribution to our rural India. This will certainly make our rural people benefit from this innovation.
