Mercedes vans respond to every situation for ambulance trust16 January 2015
The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) has taken delivery of 30 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 519 CDIs, the latest in a number of Mercedes vehicles to join its fleet.
The arrivals, from dealer Rossetts Commercials, are part of SECAmb's frontline fleet replacement programme and have been fitted with box bodies by Wilker.
The NHS trust is also using Mercedes vans for other applications, such as non-emergency patient transport and logistical support.
Four Sprinters have gone into operation as critical care ambulances. They are based on the same chassis and body combination as the standard emergency units, but with additional equipment for treating seriously ill patients.
SECAmb also has 37 Vito 116 CDI Dualiners, which have been converted with purpose-built interiors to operate as minor wound and injury treatment centres. They are used by paramedics instead of the conventional fast response estate cars.
Five 4-tonne Sprinter 419 CDIs have also been fitted with cameras and telematics equipment, and are in service as SECAmb's first dedicated driver training units.
Three other Sprinters of the same model are being used to transport medical equipment and pharmaceutical supplies.
Beyond these, SECAmb is also trialling 14 Citans and, if successful, these will be added to its logistics support fleet.
"We have switched from a 'one size fits all' vehicle strategy, to an approach that recognises fleet [vehicles] should reflect the changing clinical requirements of our patients and the specialisms within our workforce," says Justin Wand, SECAmb's head of fleet operations.
He adds that the Trust believes Mercedes vehicles offer the best value for money, based on fuel economy, reliability and maintenance.
Author
Laura Cork
Related Companies
Mercedes Benz Uk Limited
Wilker UK Ltd
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