Industrial doors that can't fail: every second counts at Ambulance Amsterdam

Buildings that are as reliable as the people inside them

Alphons van Munster, Operational Building Management at Ambulance Amsterdam, puts it well: “Our staff are on call day and night. With 130,000 runs per year, from ten locations, our buildings need to be just as reliable.”

The overhead doors at the ambulance stations open and close dozens of times a day. With every call-out, with every return. This puts high demands on the installation. “Then you have to know that they always operate,” says Alphons. For the emergency personnel, that certainty has become a matter of course. 

That door just has to open when we need to leave; we don't even think about it.

More than just an entrance door

An ambulance station is not a regular industrial building. It requires doors that do more than just open and close. The overhead doors also retain heat when the vehicle returns from a call. This makes a noticeable difference for the personnel. 

With sealing rubbers and insulation panels, the doors protect the ambulance staff from the weather conditions. This makes a tangible difference for the staff. Returning from a call-out to a warm, well-insulated hall contributes to recovery and concentration for the next call-out.

Maintenance that prevents malfunctions

Eric Slim, Service Field Manager at ASSA ABLOY, explains how the collaboration works in practice:

This is not a regular industrial building. This is about emergencies. So, there are high expectations for our doors.

To meet those expectations, Ambulance Amsterdam opts for preventive maintenance. “That's why we perform maintenance at fixed intervals and replace parts before they cause problems. This keeps the doors in top condition.”

But even in the event of an unexpected malfunction, quick action is required. “No system is 100% fault-free. If something happens, it has to be fixed immediately.” ASSA ABLOY's technicians are familiar with the locations. Where necessary, spare parts are kept on site to ensure rapid response day and night.

Reliability, service, and comfort

The collaboration between Ambulance Amsterdam and ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems shows what is possible when technology and service are aligned. Alphons sums it up: “Reliability. Good service. Comfort. That's why we work with ASSA ABLOY.”

For organizations where every second counts, a reliable entrance solution is not a luxury. It is a prerequisite.