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| The editor (in black) testing the ambobike. |
A SMALL sidecar factory in King Williamstown has saved hundreds of
lives in eight developing countries by thinking out of the box.
The Ranger Production Company builds the eRanger, which comprises a
robust sidecar that is typically attached to either a Jialing JH125 or a JH200
motorbike.
The unit is designed to reach areas that may be inaccessible to all
but 4x4s, but at a fraction of the cost.
As usual, I was the only hack willing and able to test the motorbikes at the
Johannesburg International Motor Show and the representative quickly reassured
us on the durability of both bike and sidecart.
They currently operate in Afghanistan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi,
Sierra Leone, southern Ethiopia, Southern Sudan and Uganda. In South Africa, the
same sidecars sell ice creams.
Light to move and cheap to maintain, the ambulances have done
20 000 km on a journey down Africa with only tyres and brakes replaced.
As to how they save lives, a case study of a programme run by the
Malawi Ministry of Health shows that the quick transport provided by eRovers was
the major factor in reducing the mortality rates of mothers and babies, and
increasing facility births. The eRovers have now become a cornerstone in
Malawi’s Safe Motherhood initiative.
If the sidecar is used as an ambulance, it can comfortably carry
one patient and a medical worker, plus emergency supplies for on-site treatment.
Their ability to go almost anyplace a cow can walk has greatly reduced the time
taken to get essential and urgent medical assistance to remote
communities.
The main feature of the ambulance is the side-mounted stretcher,
attached via metal-elastic mounts, which, when combined with the sidecar’s
suspension, considerably smooths the ride over rough ground.
Patient transfer has been improved with a novel hinged section
allowing easy access to the stretcher’s flat platform.
The stretcher itself has multiple functions. When flat, a prone
patient can be carried, protected by an all-weather cover. It also converts into
a suspended chair. In both positions, there is storage space at the rear of the
sidecar. The chair position is suitable for the walking wounded, sick and
expectant mothers.
If the sidecar is used as a clinic, it comes with a gazebo to
provide shade to patients during check-ups while medicine are dispensed.
The sidecars have leading-link front-suspension systems fitted as
standard, improving their off-road and on-road capability. An all-weather cover
provides shelter in rain storms for the patient, but not the driver.
