What is Ambulance Upfitting and How Does it Work

Vehicle upfitting is the process of customizing an automotive so that it can meet its intended purpose. Ambulance upfitting, in this case, means installing the accessories needed in ambulances and making them ready to save lives.

Who Needs Ambulance Upfitting?

Your clinic needs an ambulance. Probably you’ve seen signs saying “ambulance for sale,” “4×4 ambulance for sale,” and you are now thinking about going for it. But wait a minute! Is the vehicle work-ready? Probably not!

In most cases, buying the ambulance is not the end of the process. So much goes into ensuring that it has all equipment to handle emergencies. Therefore, when making your ambulance budget, remember that it may have to be taken to a specialist for upfitting.

What Goes into the Ambulance Upfitting Process?

A variety of services can be performed on an ambulance. From the regular vehicle maintenance to ambulance-specific services. Here’s a list of what you may need:

  • Ambulance Module remounting- If you are buying a new or used ambulance, remounting may be a critical phase in the upfitting process. This phase involves dismounting the module, disassembling the ambulance by stripping parts such as doors, upholstery, flooring, and the electrical system. The entire bodywork is redone, ensuring that the various parts are firmly fixed so that at high speeds, things do not move around and cause more harm. After this process, the module is remounted, checked for quality and safety.
  • Accessorizing- A lot of parts go into an ambulance. To enhance an ambulance’s life-saving ability, some of the vital accessories that may need to go into it include health monitoring systems, power backup systems, and communication tools. The health monitoring systems may need to be installed to be easily accessible during the rescue missions. Additionally, the EMS team may need to communicate regularly so that the right response team can be sent out and ensure that the receiving team understands the kind of case they are receiving. An ambulance upfitting specialist can keep you in the know for an update on the latest ambulance technologies.
  • Fabrication- Ambulances often require unique fabrications such as running boards, stainless steel interior panels, rear splash guards, and complete aluminum doors. Depending on the ambulance’s make and size, some of these parts may need to be custom-made. For a complete upfit, you can consult a specialist to understand what is required.
  • Many things go into ambulance upfitting. Before your clinic’s ambulance hits the road, a lot may need to be taken into consideration. As a heads-up, several quality control regulations go into ensuring that ambulances are in the best condition. But, to be safe, you may need to consult an upfitting specialist to understand what is needed. We at SIV Ambulances are happy to help! Contact us today.