East Midlands Ambulance Service have taken delivery of a fully converted Volkswagen Amarok all-terrain ambulance.
Reaching injured patients who are often stranded miles off the beaten track is a challenge that faces all emergency services. East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) – which covers 6,425 square miles and 4.8 million people – serves some of the most remote and challenging roads in England.
East Midlands Ambulance Service commissioned Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to create a unique ambulance based on the brand’s Amarok pick-up.
Working in partnership with EMAS, the Volkswagen Group Emergency Services team designed and commissioned the build of the new response vehicle. In addition to four-wheel drive and the ability to drive through water up to 500mm deep, the one-off ambulance is equipped with life-saving medical equipment and a load area designed to allow safe transportation of patients.
Chris Black, head of fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: ‘We are delighted that East Midlands Ambulance Service has decided to partner with us for this pioneering project. The specification of this vehicle went way beyond just ordering one of our ‘Engineered for You’ vehicles from the factory.
"Our Volkswagen Group Emergency Services team worked hand-in-hand with the client to develop a unique vehicle including securing all of the necessary type approval.
"Now in service, the vehicle is already beginning to receive a great deal of interest and I am sure that we can expect to see similar Amarok ambulances in the future."
Iain Maitland - 12/06/2015 11:23
After watching the design, build and testing of this vehicle. I believe the first all terrain workable front line emergency ambulance has been delivered. This will prove a good viable investment, and the vehicles worthiness for the working lifespan of this vehicle in the UK. The benefits to previous unreachable patients has been addressed, and a better working tool for emergency ambulance staff. All credit to Chris Black, and EMAS for taking a bold step into the future of fleet purchase and management.