Two thirds of all WMAS ambulances will be FIAT Ducato based when the remainder are delivered and the service is expected to rack up 15 million miles, spanning an area of 5,000 square miles, in 2015 alone.
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has taken delivery of the first batch of its new front-line ambulances, all of which are built around the FIAT Ducato Maxi van. In total West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has ordered 101 FIAT Ducato vehicles for conversion into front-line ambulances, as well as an additional two vehicles for driver-training unit conversions.
The ambulances are based on long wheelbase, extra-high roof, long body, FIAT Ducato Maxi vans, powered by 180hp, 3.0 MultiJet Power engines and fitted with a high output alternator to assist with the electrical load required and alloy wheels to assist with heat dissipation from the brakes during high-speed emergency calls.
The extensive conversion from van to ambulance is completed by O&H Vehicle Conversions, Goole, and takes approximately 400 man hours to complete. A special rear air suspension is fitted and the interior is kitted out with purpose-built cabinetry to accommodate the specialist, life-saving medical equipment, with approximately one mile of electrical wiring added to the vehicle to provide power to extensive range of crucial ancillary items.
The last five vehicles off the production line will trial solar panels on the roof to assist with battery charging, thereby improving the efficiency and lowering the running costs of the ambulance. All WMAS ambulances conform to European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Standards.
‘The Ducato provides the Trust with a platform to build a front line ambulance that provides a good working space for our clinical colleagues to deliver a high level of patient care,’ commented Tony Page, general manager fleet services, West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.
‘The 3.0 diesel engine is more than capable of getting the vehicle and crew to serious incidents in a timely manner, good dealer support and fuel economy are also an important aspect of the FIAT Ducato’s offering. Early signs with the first 40 units of the latest model Ducato in operation are they are step change improvement for us, feedback from our crews so far has been very positive.’
Prices for the FIAT Ducato range start at £19,995 with the FIAT Ducato Maxi range priced from £26,245.