Editor’s note: Should ambulance color be ‘artistic’ or strictly for safety? Jump to the comments and join the discussion.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — The Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad is inviting community feedback as it prepares to order new ambulances.
The squad has long been recognized for its bright Battenburg red-and-yellow design, but now residents will have a say in shaping the look of the next fleet, WVIR reported.
| MORE: It’s an ambulance, not an art project
A Facebook poll offers four design choices, from keeping the traditional colors to adopting a new look.
“The community was the reason that this ambulance was possible, it was made through their contribution, their gifts and donations, and so we really want to include the community in it,” EMT Maya Saucerman said.
The poll has already attracted hundreds of votes and comments. Once the results are in, the Rescue Squad will move forward with the winning design for its next ambulances.
What are your thoughts? Should ambulance color be ‘artistic’ or strictly for safety?
EMS1 readers respond
- I believe there’s ample room for both.
- I believe you can be both. I’ve seen ambulances of many colors. Maintain the Battenburg design on the back for safety. The sides can be any color and have some design on them. I’ve seen many ambulances with graphics on the sides of the college sports teams, local sites, etc. One in Wyoming actually violates copyright laws by superimposing a graphic of a cowboy on a bucking bronco. And for heaven’s sake, if you put an EKG tracing on your vehicle, make it an NSR!
- False dichotomy. You can be safe and still look interesting/artistic. Reflecting your community through graphics and color is actually a worthwhile endeavor.
- I remember many years ago in Rockford, Illinois, the ambulances were two-toned Grey. They were always in crashes. Blended in with dark, cloudy skies and dark streets. Better to have high visibility features. In Frankfurt, Germany, ambulances were bright pink. You could see them even though the fog. That was a better choice. You can still have some artistic designs.
- Safety and art are not mutually exclusive. The colors should be visible and distinguishable from other vehicles, and still tastefully arranged and original. It is not just because it’s pretty, but it could be handy at a mass casualty scene.
- This discussion is like the one about the dangers of 24-hour shifts or reflective clothing. Field personnel are more concerned about “cool” and “convenience” than they are about following the science, even though these same personnel want the latest, most scientific protocols. This is another example of “Do as I say, not as I do.”
- I think you need to have a good blend of both artsy and safety.
- I believe they should be designed for maximum visibility with lots of reflective decals/tape. The rear of the vehicle should always be high-visibility.
