Blue Light Services, one of the UK’s leading ambulance conversion experts, provide reliable, innovative, and customised ambulance solutions to healthcare providers across both private and NHS sectors.
By understanding the operational challenges faced by modern ambulances, Blue Light Services focuses on precision and innovation in every design to make ambulances safer, smarter, and more efficient for frontline workers.
The Challenge
The Renault Master model has been a popular choice for ambulance conversions thanks to its versatility and robust platform base. However, the latest model presented a new challenge.
Unlike the previous model, the new Renault Master has been designed to be more aerodynamic to help reduce carbon emissions. Part of this design change saw the rear door apertures height reduced which created a new challenge for BLS.
The original ramp design sat on the vehicle floor, which further reduced headroom and increased the risk of injury. A solution was needed to ensure continued safety to workers and passengers entering the vehicle by restoring clearance.
The Solution
Blue Light Services, in collaboration with Albert Jagger, spent months developing a custom latching system that integrates Safe Assist with the Renault Master base chassis. The engineering team at Blue Light Services then designed a ramp, resulting in a system that combines innovative engineering with practical functionality.
By using Safe Assist, the new design was countersunk into the vehicle floor, allowing the ramp to sit flush when lowered. This maximised height clearance and ensured the rear doors remain fully operable even with the ramp deployed.
Whilst Safe Assist did the trick, the ramp needed to be securely locked in place, yet easily and quickly released when required. Designed for one-step operation, a custom latching system was designed to enable quick and effortless ramp deployment. It’s two-stage safety system ensures the ramp cannot release if it isn’t closed properly, preventing accidental deployment.
The Safe Assist trailer ramp system has transformed user experience with its ability to the bear the ramp’s weight significantly, making operation virtually effortless, increasing manual handling safety.
The system is fully concealed and non-electrical, reducing VOR (vehicle off road) time by eliminating risks associated with snapped cables, whilst minimising maintenance.
What is Safe Assist?
Safe Assist is a patent-pending trailer ramp system designed to eliminate the physical strain of opening and closing ramps.
It requires the strength of a single finger throughout the complete motion due to uniformed weight distribution, enhancing operator control, preventing injury and reducing strain.
Unlike traditional torsion spring ramps, Safe Assist features a fully concealed mechanism, removing the risk of dangerous cables and trip hazards. The system can also be easily adjusted over its lifetime by simply adjusting the torque.
While originally developed for trailers, Safe Assist is now proving invaluable in emergency vehicle applications, improving safety and operational efficiency for ambulance services.
Check out the Renault Master XDD Ambulances by Blue Light Services
• New internal layouts designed to enhance workflow during critical moments
• Upgraded electrical systems for seamless operation of essential equipment
• Optimised storage solutions ensuring every tool has its place
• Ergonomic design improving crew comfort and response efficiency
Improve uptime. Prioritise safety. Choose Safe Assist.
To learn more about the Safe Assist trailer ramp system and how it can enhance safety across your fleet, contact our team today on 01922 471 000, email [email protected], or find out more on our website here.