REDIMED
DATE - WINTER 2024
SCOPE - 5-WEEK SERVICE DESIGN GROUP PROJECT
ROLES - GRIFFIN, TERRA, KATE, BRYCE, MARTA, &
ART: Research, Sketches, Codesign, Prototyping, & Storytelling
SPONSORED STUDIO - STARBUCKS CORPORATION
Making Ambulances more Rurally Accessible
REDIMED is an in-bed unit that transforms existing trucks into fully equipped emergency response vehicles. By providing more affordable Emergency Medical Services solutions to rural communities, REDIMED aims to bridge the gap in emergency care, ensuring faster response times and saving lives in underserved areas.
Over 4.5 million individuals in the US face critical delays in accessing vital care.
Those in ambulance deserts wait 25 minutes + for access to emergency medical services (EMS).
Worsened health outcomes disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities.
Causes of Ambulance Deserts
Staffing
Rural volunteer EMS force is rapidly declining due to financial stress.
Terrain and Long Distance
Challenging terrain can prolong response and transport times.
Cost
Lower call volumes make keeping EMS stations open too expensive.
Current ambulances range in cost from $100,000 to over $300,000 based on health support level.
Communities conduct bake sales and fundraisers to afford an ambulance.
Some volunteer EMTs convert their personal vehicles.
Interviews and Insights
Bellingham FD
Modular storage, gurney transfer, and cab interface were brought up as areas of concern.
Ambulance Designer EMT
Design criteria was defined as intuitive, recognizable, and practical.
Teamwork
Through evidence gathered, we focused on reducing cost to relieve ambulance deserts.
Reframed Prompt:
Make ambulances accessible to anyone with a truck
(Rural America)
Solution Storyboard
Ideation
Early Renderings (AI)
GravitySketch and Bubble Layouts
Prototyping
Branding and Moodboard
REDIMED
REDIMED transforms existing trucks into fully equipped emergency response vehicles.
REDIMED aims to bridge the gap in emergency care, ensuring faster response times and saving lives in underserved areas.
Current Option: $100k-$300k
REDIMED: $30k - 45k*
*Costs include all medical supplies and equipment required for an EMS vehicle.
Truck cost is not included, this could vary to accommodate county resources.
Designed to fit both eight and six foot truck beds.
Recognizable, Intuitive, Practical- REDIMED
Lessons Learned
Design Research
Talking to firepeople, codesigning with an ambulance designer, and bodystorming were key process elements
Dividing and Conquering
Divvying responsibilities based on strengths as a six person team was instrumental for success
Service Design
Designing for the whole picture- including the interactions of EMTs and the people in rural areas
