AST Ambulance Service

Following an extensive consultation period and thorough study of both NHS & Private sector offerings lasting nearly 2 years, AST launched it Bariatric Service in 2008. Right from the start it was our ethos that whatever happened any patient in our care would be moved with the up most dignity and respect.

This ethos meant AST investing hundreds of thousands of pounds in equipment, vehicles & staff. New company policy has dictated that every new Ambulance that is added to our fleet will be equipped with a Ferno Megasus Patient Trolley as an absolute minimum. This will enable us to ensure that we are always able to offer the shortest response times to calls.

Base Vehicles have been chosen from a variety of Manufacturers to ensure that the most suitable vehicle is used in any particular application eg A&E or PTS. Oughtred & Harrison have been at the core of Ambulance construction on our project and continue to support us on future developments. All vehicle carry a whole host of specialist lifting equipment including the much coveted Electric Stair Climbing Chair. Use of this item ensures safety for all concerned on any patient movement.

Extra wide access ramps with increased weight capacity are fitted to all vehicles in this category to ensure safety and confidence. As always, vehicle are fitted with the latest technology to ensure accurate information is relayed between our control centre and our crews. On most patient movements we also dispatch our Specialist Bariatric Support Unit. This vehicle is highly overt and carries extra equipment to ensure any situation can be dealt with effectively and the minimum of fuss.

The investment that AST has made in this particular service area has seen us become the countries leading provider of Bariatric Services to both the NHS & Private sectors. We have put together a purpose built fleet of Ambulances & Support Vehicles that ensure every box is ticked when it comes to the comfort and safety of both patients and staff alike.

Every Ambulance in our specialist fleet carries either a Ferno Megasus, Megasus II or Harrier XL stretcher allowing us to safely transport patients in excess of 450KG (70 stone).

Communication is key to any successful patient move, so we always complete a full risk assessment prior to planned trips. This ensures everyone involved is fully prepared for their role in the patient move.

We know that this kind of work relies on a number of people & organisations working together to achieve a successful outcome. To this end we have developed special working relationships with:

• Hill Rom
• Westmeria Health Care
• First Call Bariatrics
• Huntleigh Health Care

We are also proud to be members of the Bariatric Partnership.

Equipment includes:

• C-Max U2 Stair Climbers
• A variety of bariatric wheelchairs
• Spinal Boards
• Lifting Sheets
• Slide Sheets
• Winch's
• Ramp Systems
• Patient lifting Equipment
• Defibrillators
• Suction Units