Tufnell-type model ambulance, England, 1850-1900

Model ambulance, of Tuffnell, wood, from Royal Army Medical College, English, 1820-1900

Thomas J Tufnell (1819-1885), a military surgeon, invented this ambulance in the 1850s, drawing on his own battle experiences. The ambulance could transport six men sitting up and one man lying down or three lying down and three sitting up. The ambulance was pulled by either men or horses and could be easily transported over the roughest terrain thanks to the springs on the wheels. A light covering could be placed over the top, protecting patients from the rain.