Namibian Bicycle Ambulance

Product Description

Namibian bicycle ambulance is “stretcher on wheels” to transport patients, particularly those suffering from HIV/AIDS, to the nearest healthcare center. Different variation of the two-wheeled trailer can be have a “seat” section for a passenger in addition to the “bed” for the patient.

Target SDGs

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Market Suggested Retail Price

$530.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community, Public Sector Agencies, NGOs

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) Namibia's bike shops

Regions

Africa

Countries

Namibia

Manufacturing/Building Method

Manually manufactured on-demand in BEN Namibia's workshop in Windhoek.

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

Users can get a bicycle ambulance from one of BEN's bike shops

Distributions to Date Status

Over 100 between 2006-2012.

Area of cart (m^2)

Unknown (varies)

Frame material

Steel

Hitch type

Unknown (varies)

Maximum speed (km/h)

~15

Patient capacity (#)

Design Specifications

Extra-wide tires
Adjustable stretcher
Handle for pulling (by bicycle or by hand)
Sun shade

Technical Support

BEN provides on-site delivery training and ongoing field support to organizations that will use the ambulances.

Replacement Components

None

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

BEN aims to improve access to healthcare for Namibians living in rural locations.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Users should follow regular traffic rules when cycling through urban areas.

Complementary Technical Systems

None

Academic Research and References

Lungu, K., Kamfosa, V., Hussein, J., Ashwood-Smith, H., Are bicycle ambulances and community transport plans effective in strengthening obstetric referral systems in Southern Malawi, Malawi Medical Journal, pp. 16-18

Simon, S., Chu, K., Frieden, M., Candrinho, B., Ford, N., Schneider, H., Biot, M., 2009, An integrated approach of community health worker support for HIV/AIDS and TB care in Angónia district, Mozambique, BMC International Health and Human Rights, 9(13)

Forster, G., Simfukwe, V., Barber, C., 2010, Bicycle Ambulances Have Impact, Appropriate Technology, Volume 37, Issue 3, pp. 13-15.

Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) Namibia. n.d. Bicycle Ambulance Project. Bikecart.pedalpeople.coop. Namibia: Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) Namibia.

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Evaluation methods

The manufacturer gathered data from first 100 deployed ambulances through follow-up field visits. Monitoring allowed BEN to improve both design and delivery of the product. This evaluation Report was published on March 2009.

Other Information

None

Comments from the Community

1 Comment

E4C.COMMENTS says:

October 11, 2016 at 1:01 am

Alex says:

In a crowded landscape, MedicMobile provides the main features that you would like to see in an mHealth solution. The software is open-source, localisable and works on simple feature phones when offline. The organisation has a focus on user-centered design which is quite refreshing. The main team based in San Francisco is complimented by a sizeable team in Africa and Asia.

Implemented by

Aquabox, UK

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