Call it innovative. Call it standard-setting. Call it forward-thinking. Call it long overdue. However you characterize the collaboration between American Medical Response (AMR) and American Emergency Vehicles unveiled in August at the 2005 EMS EXPO in New Orleans, you can call me impressed.

The second-generation safety vehicle they debuted was created as part of a joint research project aimed at providing advanced care to patients while significantly improving safety. The first prototype, called Concept Ambulance, appeared last year and traveled coast to coast, allowing hundreds of paramedics and EMTs to inspect the vehicle and provide detailed feedback to its creators for the development of a second model. The model on display at EMS EXPO was the result of that research, and it will be going into service as a functioning ambulance for AMR.

Concept Ambulance II-or C2, as it has been affectionately nicknamed by AMR execs-features numerous safety innovations that protect medics, patients, other motorists and pedestrians from injury. The list includes:

• Two external cameras that allow the driver to monitor blind spots from the cab;
• Rear crew seats strategically located for optimal patient care and configured with four different types of safety harnesses that don't inhibit that care. All have five- or six-point harness systems that lock during sudden deceleration;
• Cargo nets installed along internal voids, such as the curbside doorwell, to stop providers from striking the bulkhead;
• Locking docking ports to secure patient-compartment equipment like EKG monitor/defibrillators and eliminate "missiles" in a crash. To this end, all extra oxygen tanks are also stored externally;
• Turn-signal indicators and brake lighting installed in the back of the ambulance to warn providers delivering patient care of changes in direction and braking;
• A "black box" on-board computer system that records vehicle speed, monitors driving behavior (such as use of turn signals, braking too suddenly, etc.) and warns the driver about maneuvers that exceed preset safety parameters;
• Reflective paint to make the vehicle more conspicuous; and
• A unique lighting package that includes amber caution lights that flash at motorists' eye level, LED emergency warning lights and underbody illumination.