BS EN 1789-2020 + A1-2023 (2025) PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 1789-2020 + A1-2023 (2025) — Medical vehicles and their equipment — Road ambulances. Consolidated British adoption of the CEN standard specifying design, testing, performance and equipping requirements for road ambulances used for transport, monitoring, treatment and care of patients, including requirements for patient compartments, equipment fixation, electrical installations, safety and ergonomic design.

Abstract

This consolidated standard (EN 1789:2020 with Amendment A1:2023, published as a British/contracting publication) sets mandatory performance, safety and testing criteria for road ambulances intended to carry at least one stretcher patient. It covers vehicle bodywork, patient compartment layout and dimensions, seating and restraint systems, electrical and lighting requirements, ventilation and temperature control, fixation of medical devices and stretchers, acoustic/noise limits, fire safety, and verification/testing procedures. It does not cover clinical training of ambulance staff.

General information

• Status: Current / consolidated European standard adopted for national use.
• Publication date: EN 1789 main publication: 30 September 2020; Amendment A1: 2023 (A1 entry/valid late 2023).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (BSI) — adoption of CEN EN 1789:2020 + A1:2023.
• ICS / categories: 11.160 (First aid); 43.160 (Special purpose vehicles).
• Edition / version: BS EN 1789:2020 + A1:2023 (consolidated/BS adoption, referenced here as 2025 edition).
• Number of pages: Approximately 64 pages (national published editions vary slightly depending on foreword/annex pages).

Scope

This European standard specifies requirements for the design, testing, performance and equipping of road ambulances for the transport, monitoring, treatment and care of patients. It applies to road ambulances capable of transporting at least one person on a stretcher (types A1, A2, B and C) and includes provisions for vehicles intended to carry transport incubator systems. The standard addresses the patient compartment working environment, ergonomics, crew and patient safety, fixation systems for medical devices and stretchers, electrical and EMC requirements, lighting, ventilation, fire safety and verification/testing procedures. It does not cover training of ambulance staff or transportation of hospital beds.

Key topics and requirements

• Patient compartment dimensions, layout and ergonomics (clearances, stretcher position and access).
• Seating, restraint and fixation systems for patients and crew, including stretcher retention tests and mass reserve requirements.
• Electrical installations, battery/alternator requirements, EMC, visual and audible warning systems and exterior lighting.
• Ventilation, temperature control, anaesthetic gas scavenging and interior environmental requirements (noise, lighting, hygiene).
• Vehicle bodywork, fire safety, emergency exits, bulkhead and loading area strength and access.
• Requirements and testing procedures for secure fixation of medical devices and furniture inside the patient compartment.
• Performance and verification tests (interior noise, retention/fixation testing, rounded edges, mass reserve and procedural checks).
• Classification and specific requirements for ambulance types A1, A2, B and C; guidance for transport incubator systems.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and converters of ambulances and special-purpose vehicle builders; procurement and fleet managers for emergency medical services (EMS); hospital and regional health authorities; vehicle homologation and type-approval bodies; ambulance equipment suppliers and fitters; safety and compliance officers; test laboratories performing endurance and fixation tests. The standard is used during design, production, inspection and type-approval activities to ensure vehicles meet safety and operational needs.

Related standards

Related normative documents and regulations referenced within EN 1789 include standards and regulations for vehicle type-approval, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), medical device fixation and packaging, restraint systems and crashworthiness, and regional vehicle safety directives. EN 1789 has replaced earlier editions/amendments (for example the 2007 series and the 2010/2014 amendments) and should be used alongside applicable national vehicle regulations and medical-device carriage requirements.

Keywords

Ambulance, road ambulance, medical vehicles, patient compartment, stretcher, fixation, restraint systems, EMC, ventilation, vehicle bodywork, emergency vehicles, EN 1789, BS EN 1789, ambulance design, ambulance testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: EN 1789 is a CEN European standard (adopted nationally as BS EN) that specifies design, performance, equipment and testing requirements for road ambulances used to transport and care for patients. It is presented here as the consolidated BS EN 1789:2020 + A1:2023 edition.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers vehicle and patient-compartment design and safety (dimensions, seating, restraint, ventilation, electrical systems, lighting, fire safety), requirements for fixation of medical devices and stretchers, performance and verification tests, and specific provisions for ambulance types A1, A2, B and C. It explicitly excludes staff training and the transport of hospital beds.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ambulance manufacturers and converters, EMS fleet managers, procurement officers, homologation/type-approval authorities, equipment suppliers, test laboratories and compliance officers. Healthcare planners and hospital estates teams also consult it when specifying or commissioning ambulances.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2020 edition of EN 1789 consolidated with Amendment A1:2023 is the current consolidated edition and supersedes earlier editions (including the 2007 family and subsequent amendments). National adoptions and consolidated texts published by standards bodies reflect this update.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: EN 1789 is a standalone CEN standard addressing road ambulances but is related to other vehicle, safety and medical-device standards referenced within its normative references. National or regional standards bodies may publish companion documents or national annexes for implementation and type-approval purposes.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ambulance, road ambulance, medical vehicles, stretcher, patient compartment, restraint systems, fixation, EMC, ventilation, vehicle safety, EN 1789, BS EN 1789.