Check out this mess: New Chicago Ambulance

[lotsofbars]

So I was surfing around YouTube and I found this gem. It's a new CFD Ambulance and EVERY SINGLE WARNING LIGHT (excluding the grill and intersection lights) is the dreaded "x" pattern! I don't know who thought this was a good idea . . . thing doesn't even flash! It kinda shimmers and flickers. 

 

[chucksorce]

I don't know if I love it or hate it??

 

[JohnMarcson]

I looks steady burn...

 

[pdk9]

It's a sad day when you would even settle for normal split fail as an improvement!


2 of our newer Horton rescues have a similar problem; all but 2 of the 12 M9's on the box suffer from the Whelen scan pattern (so IMO they're only effective 1/10th of the time, when they're not in some ping pong or other stupid pattern)

 

[firebuff17]

It's just about as bad the ambulances on "Nightwatch." Show follows New Orleans public safety (fire, police, and EMS). Tons of light heads. No Sync. Mix of red, white, and blue.

 

[lotsofbars]

I looks steady burn...

I think steady burn would be more effective than this. 

It's a sad day when you would even settle for normal split fail as an improvement!


2 of our newer Horton rescues have a similar problem; all but 2 of the 12 M9's on the box suffer from the Whelen scan pattern (so IMO they're only effective 1/10th of the time, when they're not in some ping pong or other stupid pattern)

I totally agree, I don't know why these patterns are even offered. They're useless and in cases like this, DANGEROUS. 

 

[tsquale]

That is how one of the new ambulances at my last service was set up. Was told not to touch it...needless to say, the verbal lashing was well worth it seeing the lights sync'd. :thumbsup:

 

[acala91]

At least it has a HLF so it isn't a complete fail.

 

[unlisted]

Anyone else notice the box marker lights?

 

[Eric1249]

With Whelen being one of the big names in lights, why do they even make such a terrible pattern?

 

[Doug]

With Whelen being one of the big names in lights, why do they even make such a terrible pattern?

My guess is, because people will buy it. Not so much that it's useful, but someone out there will think it's the coolest thing since sliced bread. Kinda like we often see with split fail lights and the people on Facebook.

 

[dmathieu]

Cool and approved are both offered. That's why only some patterns meet certain approvals under certain specs.

You would think ambulances would have to meet these specs.

 

[JohnMarcson]

Cool and approved are both offered. That's why only some patterns meet certain approvals under certain specs.

You would think ambulances would have to meet these specs.

Ambulance specs / regs are voluntary, location based and often some types of depts are officially or unofficially exempt.

 

[lafd55]

I think when there are only a couple of those heads it's fine but a lot like that just makes it a mess.

 

[Phillyrube]

No lower side warning on the box?

 

[JazzDad]

Didn't they also install neon on the underside?

 

[JennyCop]

I hate it, very bad warning!

 

[Surgicalcric]

Bad warning you say... Not sure there is any warning other than a lesson in what patterns to avoid.


Crip

 

[NJEMT]

Anyone else notice the box marker lights?

Even the stupid wheeled coach marker lights were split.

 

[jmccarthy]

Not impressed but i did hear someone say a while ago that buying big lightheads like that and flashing them whole was stupid and your not using them to their full potential if you dont use a split pattern. Major facepalm moment

 

[Wailer]

The flash pattern looks too fast to me.  If it was slowed down a bit it might be easier to look at.

 

[DMCGONAGIL]

I think I just had a seizure watching this video!

 

[KK4SDN]

I think Virginia Beach did their trucks right. All of the units follow this layout of flashing solid except the light over the wheel because of it being split color.

 

[Jarred J.]

umm the grill lights are split single colors, and the ones on the fender are split red white... :undecided:

 

[Wailer]

I think Virginia Beach did their trucks right. All of the units follow this layout of flashing solid except the light over the wheel because of it being split color.

And the ambo has a mechanical Q siren. 

 

[TritonBoulder47]

I'd almost rather them all on "Pinwheel"...  Almost...  lol

 

[Edmontonsecurity]

Anybody else notice the DO NOT FOLLOW on the back of the ambulance? AHAHHAHAH Is that really needed?

 

[pdk9]

Anybody else notice the DO NOT FOLLOW on the back of the ambulance? AHAHHAHAH Is that really needed?

What's so funny about that?

 

[Edmontonsecurity]

Ive never seen that on a ambulance, up here.

Is it really that big of  aproblem to have to mark the EV with that?

 

[tsquale]

Ive never seen that on a ambulance, up here.


Is it really that big of aproblem to have to mark the EV with that?

Yes, it's quite common to see on ambulances and fire rigs

 

[pdk9]

Ive never seen that on a ambulance, up here.


Is it really that big of aproblem to have to mark the EV with that?

More often than not, IMO, most US drivers on the road fall into 2 categories:


1) tailgate EVs responding code 3 out of sheer stupidity, not knowing that they can come to a screeching halt at any second


2) tailgate EVs responding code 3 to try and beat the traffic, not caring how dangerous it is


Most people ignore the the "Keep Back __ Feet" that most fire/EMS vehicles have (I guess they think it applies to everyone in the world except them) so some depts went with the "do not follow"

Personally, I wish we could write "Stay the F#@K back or we're gonna start throwing shit at your car," but our city commissioners would probably have a problem with that

 

[SEPD_52]

That is how one of the new ambulances at my last service was set up. Was told not to touch it...needless to say, the verbal lashing was well worth it seeing the lights sync'd. :thumbsup:

Always better to ask for forgiveness is what my chief told me...

Shouldn't these rigs come synced from the factory? Synchronization should be a factory standard. Maybe allow the user to change flash patterns but from a centrally located flasher unit that is controlling all of the lights. Watching the flash pattern mess on 'Nightwatch' is quite bothersome - especially those front grille Whelen Dominators.

 

[coop359]

Speaking of nightwatch. Anyone know what their siren is? Dual amp Carson with mechanical?

 

[bmd224]

Maybe it's on a "community interaction & public relations" mission--an ambulance dedicated just to responding to DISCO CLUBS, RAVES, & PSYCHADELIC DANCE HALLS for overdoses, & similar medical emergencies.

They bring the additional blinky-lights to parties, keeping the tweakers happy, so it's a win-win?