For EMAS, which covers 6,425 square miles and 4.8 million people – the challenge of reaching patients off the beaten track is made even tougher by having to navigate some of the most remote and challenging roads in England.
Working in partnership with EMAS, the Volkswagen Group Emergency Services team designed and commissioned the build of the new response vehicle. In addition to all Amarok standard features, such as 4MOTION 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.
Commenting on the project, Chris Black, head of fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK, 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.”