The Paramedic Equipment Trolley (P.E.T)

The design process started with surveying and interviewing healthcare workers to identify pain points on the job. Paramedics pointed out that the most common ailment came from muscular injuries, and together through journey mapping, we determined that lifting heavy bags in and out of the ambulance side door was a major contributing factor. After discussing and sketching ideas,  early stage prototypes were built from cardboard and PVC pipe to explore size, height, and movement. These were tested and refined through feedback from paramedics in hands-on workshops.

Over time, key features were added based on their feedback; like a hydraulic lever in the ambulance to help lower and raise the trolley, a monitor hook for better screen visibility, and tri-wheels that make it easier to go up and down stairs. The handlebar was also made adjustable to suit paramedics of different heights. The final prototype is made from laser-cut, bent aluminium sheets that are welded together. It’s simple, sturdy, and can be made with standard tools and processes. With minor adjustments to the bag tower in the ambulance, the trolley slots straight into the ambulance’s existing setup without interfering with the paramedics workflow.

What sets this project apart is how closely it was developed with paramedics. Their feedback shaped every step. Throughout the process, injury prevention, workflow efficiency, and ambulance compatibility were prioritised. The design not only meets the brief, it exceeds it by creating a thoughtful, scalable, and long-overdue ergonomic solution to an industry-wide issue.

The P.E.T. focuses on real-world use. It’s designed to solve one of the most common and avoidable problems in ambulance work; muscular strain injuries from heavy gear. With equipment bags often weighing up to 30 kg combined, paramedics are often expected to lift quickly and repeatedly in challenging spaces.

The trolley shifts heavy equipment transport from lifting to pushing, which reduces injuries, lost workdays, and long-term physical harm. Every feature is there for a reason. The hydraulic lever helps with loading and unloading. Tri-wheels make moving up stairs possible without needing two people.

The adjustable handlebar is accomodating for people of different heights, and the adjustable monitor hook makes the trolley useful while with a patient. Leaving the monitor on the trolley allows the paramedic to view the screen at a ergonomic height and eliminates the need for moving around the 12kg heavy monitor.

Most importantly, it aligns with established paramedic workflows and does not interfere with time-sensitive procedures. Sustainability was embedded into the design from the start. The structure uses minimal components and is manufactured from recyclable aluminium. It’s durable, built for longevity, and avoids the need for frequent replacements. The manufacturing process involves laser cutting and bending to reduce material waste, and the modular structure supports easy repair and recycling.

The P.E.T. sets a new benchmark for design excellence in healthcare environments. It doesn’t just meet user needs—it was shaped by them. It brings together human-centered design, sustainability, and real-world manufacturability into a product that enhances the safety and effectiveness of critical emergency services. By addressing a clear and pressing need, it shows how thoughtful, co-designed products can have lasting impact, not just in Victoria, but nationally and internationally.

While paramedics have stretchers and patient trolleys designed for safe handling, there’s never been a proper solution for a long-overlooked problem in emergency healthcare. The P.E.T. is the first equipment trolley of its kind that looks specifically at reducing injuries caused by lifting and carrying bags in and out of the ambulance.

The idea itself isn’t complicated: make it easier to move heavy bags without lifting them. But designing something that actually works in the limited space inside an ambulance, that doesn’t add more weight or bulk, and that fits into existing workflows, is what made this project unique. The intention was never to redesign how paramedics work, but to improve it.

What also makes the P.E.T. stand out is the way it was made. Paramedics were actively involved, from early research to final prototype testing, their input led the design. It’s practical, efficient, and directly solves a problem they deal with every day. In addition to being innovative in function and form, the P.E.T. is a system-level innovation: it doesn’t require a rethink of the ambulance layout or workflow, it integrates into existing operations, making adoption smooth and cost-effective.

As the first equipment trolley designed specifically to prevent paramedic injuries, it redefines a neglected aspect of emergency medical design. It shows that groundbreaking innovation can come not only from high-tech solutions, but also from smart mechanical thinking, inclusive design practices, and a deep understanding of user context. This originality makes the P.E.T. a game-changer in paramedic health and safety.

The P.E.T. has the potential to make a lasting positive impact socially, economically, and environmentally. Its primary goal, reducing musculoskeletal injuries among paramedics, addresses a serious workforce issue that leads to long-term absences, chronic pain, and staff turnover. By shifting manual handling from lifting to pushing, the P.E.T. protects frontline responders and contributes to better long-term health outcomes.

From a social perspective, the trolley supports a healthier, more resilient emergency services workforce. Paramedics can remain in their roles longer, with reduced risk of injury and fewer lost workdays. The design also enhances morale and job satisfaction by demonstrating commitment to the employees health and safety.

Economically, fewer injuries mean reduced compensation costs and less pressure on hospitals and rehabilitation services. It also lowers the need for temporary staff or overtime pay to cover injured workers. Environmentally, the trolley uses recyclable materials, is built to last, and doesn’t rely on any powered systems. It’s easy to manufacture and easy to fix.

The design supports circular thinking; use only what you need, make it strong, and keep it simple. The P.E.T. strengthens the reputation of Victoria as a hub of socially-driven, human-centred design. It brings the conversation around workplace safety, sustainability, and inclusive design into a high-impact context: emergency health. If implemented at scale, its ripple effect will be felt across the country, improving care for those who care for us.

Sustainability was a core driver throughout the design of the P.E.T. From the beginning, material choice, component reduction, and lifecycle thinking were key. The trolley is made mainly from laser-cut and bent aluminium sheet, an abundant, durable, and fully recyclable material.

The design avoids excessive part counts and unnecessary complexity, reducing resource consumption and simplifying maintenance. Rather than rely on power or electronics, the P.E.T. uses passive mechanical solutions like a hydraulic lift and gravity-assisted loading, eliminating the need for batteries or motors. This not only supports environmental goals but also simplifies the product’s long-term serviceability. If a part breaks, it can be repaired or replaced easily.

By engaging with paramedics early in the process, the team was able to avoid designing unnecessary features—focusing only on what was needed and truly useful. This resulted in a lean, focused design that performs its job efficiently with minimal impact. The product supports the circular economy by being repairable, modular, and built for longevity.

Every decision—from frame geometry to wheel specification—was made with durability and environmental impact in mind. The trolley is designed to remain in service for years, reducing the frequency of replacement and the accumulation of waste. At the end of its life, nearly all components can be disassembled and recycled.

The P.E.T. not only avoids harm, it actively promotes sustainability. It reduces the physical toll on healthcare workers, lowers healthcare system costs, and shows how circular design thinking can be applied in emergency service contexts. As a model for future healthcare equipment, the P.E.T. demonstrates how sustainable thinking and ergonomic excellence can, and should, go hand in hand.