2024
Cairn
J. Magnin et al., « Standardizing the color and markings of French mobile intensive care unit vehicles », Annales françaises de médecine d’urgence, ID : 10670/1.71f4a7...
The liveries of the mobile intensive care unit (MICU) vehicles are not uniform, which complicates identification by citizens and creates unequal safety levels for the on-board teams. In 2018, an inventory of light vehicles (LV) and intensive care ambulances (ICA) highlighted this heterogeneity. Numerous regulatory texts exist, but they are rarely applied because they are often considered obsolete. A change in the regulations is therefore essential. Yellow (RAL 1016) is an obvious choice of base color for MICU vehicles as it provides optimal visibility whatever the conditions. Markings and lettering must be kept to a strict minimum and of an appropriate size so as not to affect readability. The Battenberg livery, initially developed in the United Kingdom, consists of alternating yellow and green tiles forming a checkerboard pattern on the sides of the vehicles. These extremely visible and recognizable markings are already applied in many European countries, so it seems obvious and necessary to adapt them to French MICU vehicles. In addition to color and markings, sound and light signaling also play a vital role in safety. Current legislation authorizes the use of blue lights for emergency vehicles, but does not specify how they should be positioned. Given the road risks, particularly when overtaking and at intersections, it is essential that these lights are positioned carefully. The use of sirens by emergency vehicles is not debated. The addition of supplementary tones (US siren) would facilitate movement, particularly in busy traffic. The application of these recommendations, updating the regulations, and strict compliance with them could guarantee the identification and safety of the on-board teams.