The FERNO IN|LINE™ Fastening System is a ground-based ambulance fastening system designed to secure a compatible Ferno product inside an ambulance. It is available in three lengths: IN|LINE-S, IN|LINE-M, and IN|LINE-L, which refer to different models with specific dimensions. The system is designed for professional use only by trained Emergency Medical Service operators.
Function Description:
The IN|LINE™ Fastening System provides a secure and reliable method for attaching Ferno cots/transport systems within an ambulance. It integrates with the ambulance floor and structural members to ensure stability during transport. The system features an Integrated Charging System (ICS) that charges the IN|X battery when the IN|X is secured in the fastening system, and powers the ICS to OFF when it is secured in a powered ICS. It also includes an Automatic Switching (Charging) feature, where the ambulance electrical system automatically switches the ICS power from the ambulance battery to the utility power when the ambulance is parked and connected to utility power. A Safety Hook is incorporated to hold the cot or IN|X securely inside the ambulance while operators raise and lower the legs during loading and unloading. A Release Button allows for unlocking the cot or IN|X for unloading. The system is designed to be robust, with aluminum construction for the exterior and steel for internal components, and plastic for other parts.
Important Technical Specifications:
The IN|LINE™ Fastening System comes in three lengths:
- IN|LINE-S: 86 inches (2184 mm)
- IN|LINE-M: 95 inches (2424 mm)
- IN|LINE-L: 102 inches (2584 mm)
All models share the same width and height:
- Overall Width: 9.5 inches (240 mm)
- Overall Height: 4.5 inches (115 mm)
The IN|LINE-S model weighs 72 lbs (32.7 kg).
The frame is constructed from aluminum, internal components from steel, and other parts from plastic.
Usage Features:
The system is designed for ease of use and safety. Operators must read and understand the manual, receive proper training, and maintain training records. The fastening system requires regular inspection and maintenance.
- Release Button: Located on the nose of the fastening system, it is pressed to unlock the compatible Ferno product for unloading.
- Safety Hook: Located on the nose of the fastening system, it holds the compatible Ferno product securely inside the ambulance while operators raise and lower the undercarriage legs.
- Fastening-Post Retainer: Located on the nose of the fastening system, it captures the control-end post of the compatible Ferno product and helps hold it in the fastening system during vehicle transport.
- Fastening-Post Lock: Located near the center of the fastening system, it captures the loading-end post of the compatible Ferno product during the loading process and securely locks it in the fastening system during vehicle transport.
- Integrated Charging System (ICS): Located near the center of the fastening system, it charges the IN|X battery when secured. It includes ICS Charging Contacts.
- Floor Lock Indicator Window: Located at the end of the fastening system, it helps verify that the fastening system is securely locked to the floor. The indicator window shows a portion of green (unlocked) or red (locked) to indicate the status of the floor lock.
- Loading and Unloading: The process involves aligning the safety hook with each safety bar on the product, rolling the product into the fastening system until it engages the loading mechanism, and then pushing the red release button to unlock the product and allow it to be removed.
- Attaching the Fastening System to the Ambulance Floor: This involves using an M6 Allen wrench to loosen the fastening bolt, removing the floor lock indicator window, and then attaching the fastening system to the mounting rail using M6 Allen wrenches and threadlocker. The ICS cable is connected to the floor connector.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe and proper functioning of the IN|LINE™ Fastening System.
- Maintenance Schedule: The fastening system requires regular maintenance. A minimum maintenance schedule includes inspecting the fastening system (daily), cleaning the fastening system (daily), and lubricating the fastening system (monthly).
- Disinfecting the Fastening System: Surfaces should be wiped with disinfectants, and the fastening system should be air-dried.
- Cleaning the Fastening System: Surfaces should be cleaned with warm water and a mild detergent. The fastening system should be air-dried.
- Inspecting the Fastening System: Regular inspections ensure all components are present, the system is free of excessive wear, parts are in good condition, all moving parts operate smoothly, the floor lock operates properly, the product load and unload properly, the product lock properly, the ambulance floor is monitored for damage, and all required backing plates are present and securely fastened.
- Lubricating the Fastening System: Lubrication with lubrication-free materials is necessary to ensure smooth operation.
- Pressure-Washing: The system can be pressure-washed using pressurized water, spray wands, and equipment when cleaning the fastening system. This involves removing the cot or IN|X, disconnecting power, removing the upper fastening system from the floor, and then pressure-washing the fastening system.
- Removing the Fastening System from the Floor for Cleaning: This involves using an M6 Allen wrench to loosen screws, disconnecting the ICS cable, and removing the fastening system from the floor.
- Attaching the Fastening System to the Ambulance Floor: This involves verifying the position of the safety hook and insert, connecting the ICS cable, and securing the fastening system to the mounting rail.
- Tightening the Fastening Bolt and Set Screw: The fastening bolt and set screw should be tightened to ensure the system is securely attached. Threadlocker should be applied to the threads of the screws.
The manual emphasizes the importance of proper installation, regular inspections, and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent injury or damage. It also provides contact information for customer relations in the USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom/EU, and Worldwide.