Saudi citizen converts bus into a smart ambulance

A Saudi citizen has developed a smart ambulance which will be able to transport patients to hospital faster.

Osama Al-Fallali said he began developing the smart ambulance after an accident three years ago which resulted in injuries to five people.

“Several ambulances were dispatched to the location due to the number of victims.

“The ambulances arrived very late and caused traffic jam. The ambulances were not even equipped to offer medical treatment to the patients on the spot,” said Al-Fallali, who witnessed the entire commotion.

He was dissatisfied with the performance of the paramedics.

“There must have been an easy and quick solution to all of these insufficiencies in the ambulances. Patients should receive medical treatment promptly and traffic should not be disturbed and delayed for long hours whenever there is an accident,” said Al-Fallali.

He began to think of ways to equip ambulances with the latest technologies so they can offer better services.

“I began researching the idea of a smart ambulance. I looked into models from various countries until I came up with the appropriate model. I bought a bus and began equipping it with the latest technologies to serve patients.

“The bus can take up to six patients at a time. The vehicle is equipped with the latest technologies as well,” said Al-Fallali.

He added his next challenge was to be granted the needed license in order to have the vehicle used by the Red Crescent.

“I managed to get all the licenses needed and the bus was used by the Red Crescent during Hajj,” said Al-Fallali.

Minister of Health Dr. Towfiq Al-Rabiah praised Al-Fallali for his ingenuity and initiative.

“The bus is mostly helpful in giving medical treatment to pilgrims who suffer from heat strokes,” said Minister Al-Rabiah.

This article was first published by the Saudi Gazette on September 18, 2016.