Ambulance Photos

Jacques,

Thank you for your many very interesting pictures, here and on the Fire Engine Photos site. I was wondering if you would mind answering a few questions relating to BSPP medical emergency vehicles?

I understand that the 1980s saw the introduction of the dual-role fire/medical 'Premier Secours Evacuation' vehicles. Was the introduction of the 'Premier Secours Relevage' vans simultaneous to this? Were the PSRs noticably different to the old VSABs in the rest of France? Also - did the Fourgon d'Appui/Fourgon d'Evacuation have any patient-transport capacity (and what is the difference between the FA and FE)?

Prior to the introduction of the above vehicles, was the 'Ambulance de Reanimation', manned by a doctor, the only BSPP vehicle capable of transporting patients?

Finally... How does the VSAB (shown above in the background) fit into the picture? Were they a rare vehicle within the BSPP, as I don't recall seeing many at all?

Many thanks - hope this isn't too many questions...

Pete

Added by Pete Ellis on 07 September 2009.

Hi Pete,

Many thanks for your interest. The BSPP medical and patient transport is indeed and intrigue and a combination of a lot of experiences, positive and negative. Never the less it shall be a long story.

Since the creation of the BSPP, small quantities of ambulances were in service.
Mainly for injured and sick firemen, but could also be used for casualty transport when big accidents occurred.

AR. 'Ambulance de Reanimation' were introduced in 1967, their role and manning has never changed until today. Manned by 2 firemen and one doctor. Their looks now changed and the option wide space as in the US was opted. I could not tell you how many on duties, but number was increased lately. They share the emergency transport with the SAMU, SMUR and Red Cross, (hospital based emergency ambulances) depending on the incident location.
I posted a picture of the AR25 on this site on : 22 February 2009

Late 60’ VSAB were introduced in small numbers.
There was also a period in the 60’ when “SNCF” French rail corporation, sponsored Citroen HY ambulances for BSPP in the same time sort rescue agreement in case of major train disaster. (same as my city picture Citroen HY Colmar, posted on this website),

In the 80’ patient transport in Paris stopped to be operated by “police-secours” who had vans equal to animal transportation. No hygiene, no proper ventilation, a basic stretcher + armed men in the van (against Geneva Convention) Even if it was mainly for homeless, drunks, minor injuries and scratched skins, the rules had to de changed.

To answer the sudden increase of patient transportation:
The idea of the PSE Premier Secours Evacuation was elaborated in the 80’ and started in 1985.
The point was to combine an engine for patient transport and also for firefighting.
Armed with 5 men, 1ton of water and small medical and rescue equipment it was and ideal financial solution to avoid purchasing additional sanitary transport vehicle.
Rapidly the BSPP noticed that the PSE were mainly on calls for patient transport. Meaning not available for fire calls. BSPP invents than the PSR a basic van, with a stretcher, oxygen, a 1st aid box, simpler and less costly than a VSAB, but a bit more human than the “police-secours” boxes.
The VSAB disappeared slowly in the 80’ and some were modified in PSR.
PSR were dispatched in almost all FS in Paris.

PSE new version are still in use in small FS in Paris suburb. You will not see them in Paris center anymore.

In 1985, FA and FE were introduced as well, a financial issue combination; personally I think the ugliest engines BSPP ever had. The basic difference is; FA pump 2000l/min; FE pump 1000l/min.
Yes at the beginning FA and FE had a patient transport capacity, but this option was abandoned late 90” the engine was not practical for this purpose and was needed for fire and rescue calls.
The original FA and FE have disappeared now; maybe a few remain as reserve. A new version of FA is in service now, it’s a 100% fire engine with:
Cistern: 1000l Pump: 2000l/min, 8 men, 2 x 200m hose 70mm , 400m hose 110mm hose layer system, 6 x 20l foam barrels

Due to new sanitary and hygiene regulations, VSAV have appeared like all over France same as VSAB just name has changed: Vehicule de Secours et Assistance aux Victimes.
Nowadays PSR and VSAV are the same, the term PSR might disappear very soon.
BSPP has just purchased another batch of new VSAV, transport demand is so high.
As for example Paris intra-muros duty on a VSAV, means about 30 runs in 24h.
I have posted some VSAV an PSR on this site.

To be continued….


Added by Jacques PETER on 08 September 2009.

Jacques - very interesting, many thanks for the detailed explanation. The fact that the new BSPP appliances in the 1980s replaced the service offered by the 'Police-Secours' was particularly intriguing.

One additional question - now that VSAV are being ordered in large numbers for Paris, might we see the disappearance of the dual-role PSE, as the patient transport capacity is now well covered by the VSAV?

In other words, might we start seeing a 'dedicated' light firefighting vehicle (something equivalent to the old FPTL, or even earlier the famous old PS, perhaps) in Paris again?

Added by Pete Ellis on 08 September 2009.

Pete, I don't know about FPTL, but FPT have definitely come back already. History repeats...
Cheers
- JP

Added by Jacques PETER on 09 September 2009.

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