Thread: Ambulance rear lighting

We have converted an ambulance into a traffic unit and when we are stopped in a lane with are rear doors open people say they don't always see us because two of the lights are blocked by the doors and the other two show through the windows of the doors and they are dim that way. So I was looking add two sets of lights behind each door rearward facing inbetween the cossion and the rear doors I have maybe an inch and a half of space. Not sure if I should go with TIR or LIN any suggestions. I don't want it to set to low so I don't bash my head on it.

Why not put some right on the inside of the doors themselves? Switch them so they will come on when the doors are open. No headache risk!

might be better to add something on the inner skin of the door with a magnetic switch too activate when open

What type ambulance? There should be plenty of room above the doors on any type.

Originally Posted by jprleedy4680

Why not put some right on the inside of the doors themselves? Switch them so they will come on when the doors are open. No headache risk!

Exactly what we have at work. 700-series red LED's mounted to each entry door (rear and side) on a switch to activate when the door is opened.

how would i hook up the lights to a magnet switch? and could i tap into the power that turns on the scene lights when the rear doors are open before the switch is to a momentary switch to turn them off from blinding traffic.

The only problem with the lights mounted to the interior sides of such doors are that they will continually flash in your eyes when working in that area. We've lined the inner door panels with stainless and striped them with scotchlite for visibilty. I'd recommend that you install something vertically along the outside edge of the rear (along the extrusion) or above the doorline. I'd also look at upgrading the lights that shine through the rear windows to Super-LED, rather than 5mm equipped lights. They are far more visible through the glass, even with tinting.

Shouldn't if they were switched properly...lots of ambulances in my area have them on the inside and activated by the door motion.

Originally Posted by chiefolson

The only problem with the lights mounted to the interior sides of such doors are that they will continually flash in your eyes when working in that area. We've lined the inner door panels with stainless and striped them with scotchlite for visibilty. I'd recommend that you install something vertically along the outside edge of the rear (along the extrusion) or above the doorline. I'd also look at upgrading the lights that shine through the rear windows to Super-LED, rather than 5mm equipped lights. They are far more visible through the glass, even with tinting.

Funny thing, when your working outside the vehicle all the outside lights stay on as well. It's amazing how hard people make things.

Originally Posted by chiefolson

The only problem with the lights mounted to the interior sides of such doors are that they will continually flash in your eyes when working in that area. We've lined the inner door panels with stainless and striped them with scotchlite for visibilty. I'd recommend that you install something vertically along the outside edge of the rear (along the extrusion) or above the doorline. I'd also look at upgrading the lights that shine through the rear windows to Super-LED, rather than 5mm equipped lights. They are far more visible through the glass, even with tinting.

I did the same thing... although I also kept the lights mounted on the inside of the doors.

Wow thats..... a lot of striping.

Originally Posted by ryan81986

Wow thats..... a lot of striping.

Safety first.

If they discovered that hot pink would make me safer on the side of the road or highway, I'd change our uniforms.

here is a non lighting suggestion..... how about a pair of door closers installed to shut the doors?

Originally Posted by Shawn L

here is a non lighting suggestion..... how about a pair of door closers installed to shut the doors?

When would they be programmed to operate? Just as I'm loading an stretcher into the back?



I think the real question is: Why is it so difficult to get EMTs to close the doors when they walk away from the truck?!

I was referring to a standard commercial ( building application) , where when you go in and out it closes, if you want the door "propped" open you have to kinda over center it to get it to stay open like this:

Shop TELL MANUFACTURING, INC. Commercial Grade 1 Door Closer Adjustable 3 - 6 at Lowes.com