The North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services has an exciting way to teach children about medical emergencies and preventing injuries. "Andy" is a fully automated robot shaped like an ambulance that moves, speaks, listens, blows its siren and can turn on its lights just like a real ambulance. Andy Ambulance is just the right size for teaching young children. He can communicate with them at eye level and when he moves he is non-threatening. Andy is perfect for hugs and kisses from children and can easily move in classrooms and restricted areas. Andy can wink and blink his eyes and play music through a cassette player. His smiling face presents a positive and friendly image to everyone. The ambulance lights are highly visible which enhances and adds excitement to the learning experience. All of Andy's movements are accomplished by wireless remote control enabling the operator to be hidden from the audience whenever possible or desired.
When Andy talks, his mouth moves at the same time. Andy is very believable in his messages, and he is very friendly. He is small enough to take anywhere, but big enough to be life-sized to preschool age children. Andy can be used with great success in classrooms, assemblies, mall exhibits, hospitals, fairs and festivals, parades, open house activities and other settings where a message on emergency medical services or safety may be important. He also makes a great master of ceremonies at special events. Andy has useful educational material that will keep his message in the minds of children long after the presentation. In addition, the robot body graphics are colorful and display the Star of Life, the national emergency medical services emblem, and other identification similar to a real ambulance. Funding for this project was provided by the N.C. Governor's Highway Safety Program.
Reservations for Andy are made on a first-come, first-served basis. At least two OEMS staff members must be available to operate Andy at an event. Andy may be used outdoors in dry weather on smooth hard surfaces, or inside a building. For additional information or to "book" Andy, please contact:
Andy Ambulance
Attn: McKenzie L. Cook
2707 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2707
919-855-3938
andy.ambulance@ncmail.net
