SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) is undertaking a major digital transformation initiative aimed at reducing ramping, streamlining hospital admissions and improving access to patient information across its fleet of ambulances and rapid response vehicles.
To support the rollout of a fully digital patient record system, SAAS partnered with Dell Technologies, DXC Technology and Roaming Technologies to deploy rugged mobile computing technology throughout its fleet. The solution was led by DXC Technology, with Dell providing the rugged tablet platform and Roaming Technologies delivering the vehicle integration, mounting and power solution.
The project required more than simply supplying devices. With over 500 vehicles involved, SAAS needed a complete mobility solution that included rugged tablets, docking stations, power management systems and custom vehicle mounting solutions that could be safely integrated into both the front and rear of each ambulance.
The Challenge of Going Digital
As part of its transition to digital patient records, SA Ambulance Service planned to equip every ambulance and rapid response vehicle with Dell rugged tablets. The challenge was finding a way to securely mount and power these devices within highly specialised vehicle environments. Unlike standard fleet vehicles, ambulances have limited space and must accommodate a wide range of medical equipment while maintaining strict workplace health and safety standards. Any vehicle mounting solution needed to ensure the devices were:
- Easily accessible for frontline staff
- Securely mounted during vehicle movement
- Compatible with multiple vehicle layouts
- Reliably powered throughout shifts
- Safe for use in both patient care and driving environments
SAAS required mounting options in both the front cabin and patient treatment areas, creating a unique design challenge across the fleet.
Custom Vehicle Mounting Solutions for Emergency Response
Roaming Technologies worked closely with the SA Ambulance Service team to design, test and refine a range of mounting configurations.
Multiple options were evaluated throughout the project to determine the most effective solution for frontline crews. Every design was assessed against operational requirements, safety considerations and day-to-day usability.
Because ambulances effectively function as mobile workspaces, careful consideration was given to device positioning, accessibility and durability.
The result was a customised deployment of vehicle docks and mounts designed specifically around the operational needs of emergency response teams.
Selecting the Right Hardware
Following in-field testing, SA Ambulance Service selected a solution built around Dell rugged tablets, Gamber-Johnson docking stations and LIND power adapters. This combination provided the reliability and durability required for emergency healthcare environments while ensuring seamless integration into the ambulance fleet.
The final solution included:
- Dell rugged tablets
- Gamber-Johnson docking stations
- LIND power adapters
- Custom mounting brackets
- Vehicle integration hardware
The rugged tablets provided healthcare workers with a durable mobile computing platform capable of supporting digital patient records and field-based workflows, while the docking stations ensured devices remained secure, powered and ready for use throughout every shift.
Delivering Rugged Technology at Scale
With more than 500 ambulances and rapid response vehicles included in the project, the rollout required careful planning and coordination to ensure a consistent deployment across the fleet
Roaming Technologies supplied:
- 1,200 docking stations
- LIND power adapters
- Custom-designed mounting brackets
- Supporting vehicle integration hardware
Installations commenced in January 2026, with the rollout scheduled for completion by July 2026. Delivering a project of this scale required close collaboration between SA Ambulance Service, Dell Technologies, DXC Technology and Roaming Technologies to ensure consistent deployment standards across the fleet.
Supporting Better Patient Outcomes Through Rugged Mobility
The introduction of rugged mobile computing technology is expected to deliver significant operational benefits for SA Ambulance Service. By providing paramedics with immediate access to digital patient records, crews can access and update information in real time while reducing reliance on paper-based processes.
Key benefits include:
- Faster Access to Patient Information
Digital records can be accessed and updated from the field, helping improve information accuracy and availability.
- Improved Patient Interaction
Reducing administrative tasks allows clinicians to spend more time focused on patient care.
- Streamlined Hospital Admissions
Digital information can be shared more efficiently between ambulance crews and healthcare facilities, helping support faster admissions processes.
- Increased Operational Efficiency
Connected mobile technology helps create a more streamlined and responsive healthcare environment.
Beyond Emergency Services
While this project focused on emergency healthcare, the challenges faced by SA Ambulance Service are common across many industries that rely on mobile workers and vehicle-based technology. Organisations operating in mining, utilities, transport, logistics, government and field services all require secure access to critical information while on the move. Purpose-built vehicle mounting solutions, reliable docking stations and rugged mobile devices help ensure technology remains accessible, protected and operational in demanding environments.
Why Roaming Technologies?
At Roaming Technologies, we specialise in delivering rugged mobility solutions for organisations operating in demanding environments. From rugged tablets and mobile computers to vehicle docks and mounts, we work closely with leading manufacturers to provide tailored solutions that improve productivity, safety and operational performance.
Our work with SA Ambulance Service demonstrates how the right combination of rugged technology, vehicle integration expertise and project management can support large-scale digital transformation initiatives while delivering practical benefits for frontline teams. Whether it’s emergency services, mining, utilities, transport or field services, we help organisations deploy reliable technology solutions that are built for the realities of working in the field.
If you’re looking to improve the way your teams access, use and protect technology in the field, our team can help. Contact Roaming Technologies today to discuss a customised rugged mobility or vehicle mounting solution tailored to your organisation’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rugged Technology
What is rugged technology?
Rugged technology refers to devices and equipment specifically designed to operate reliably in harsh environments. This includes rugged tablets, mobile computers, docking stations and vehicle mounting solutions used across industries such as emergency services, mining, utilities and transport.
What are vehicle mounting solutions?
Vehicle mounting solutions are systems designed to securely mount tablets, laptops, mobile computers and other technology within vehicles. They help improve device accessibility, safety and reliability for workers operating in the field.
Why are vehicle mounts important for fleet vehicles?
Vehicle mounts help keep devices secure during vehicle movement, reducing the risk of damage while ensuring operators can safely access critical information. They also support workplace safety compliance and improve overall productivity.
Which industries use vehicle mounting solutions?
Vehicle mounting solutions are commonly used across emergency services, mining, utilities, transport, logistics, field services, government and public safety organisations. Any industry that relies on mobile workers can benefit from professionally installed vehicle mounting systems.
What devices can be installed using vehicle docks and mounts?
Vehicle docks and mounts can support a wide range of devices, including rugged tablets, rugged laptops, mobile computers, barcode scanners and communication equipment. The right solution depends on the device type, vehicle configuration and operational requirements.
What is the difference between a vehicle mount and a docking station?
A vehicle mount secures a device within the vehicle, while a docking station provides additional functionality such as charging, data connectivity and secure device retention. Many fleet deployments use both as part of a complete mobile computing solution.
How do vehicle mounting solutions improve productivity?
By keeping devices secure, powered and easily accessible, vehicle mounting solutions allow workers to access information faster, reduce downtime and complete tasks more efficiently while in the field.
Can vehicle mounting solutions be customised?
Yes. Many organisations require customised mounting solutions to suit specific vehicle layouts, device types and operational requirements. Customisation is particularly common in emergency services, mining, utilities and specialised fleet environments where standard mounting systems may not meet operational or safety requirements.
At Roaming Technologies, we work closely with organisations to design and deliver tailored vehicle mounting solutions that integrate seamlessly with their vehicles, devices and workflows. If you’re planning a fleet technology deployment or need a customised mounting solution for your vehicles, contact our team to discuss your requirements.