The Westmorland Gazette
YORKSHIRE, England — A New state-of-the-art 4x4 ambulance is helping paramedics reach casualties in the most remote Dales locations.
The Mercedes Sprinter 515 van has been adapted to incorporate all the facilities of other front-line A&E emergency ambulances, but with added off-road capability.
The vehicle, bought by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, is fitted with the Mercedes selectable four-wheel-drive and low-ratio hill descent systems, meaning it can handle steep gradients and be driven on untreated roads in snowy and icy conditions and through mud up to six inches deep.
The ambulance has also been kitted out with fell rescue equipment.
A&E locality manager Paul Webster said: “It is perfectly designed for the Craven area and will help us reach more patients in places like remote farms.
“The staff that have used it have said it can go anywhere. It is a lot better and a lot bigger than the off- road ambulances we have at the moment.
“It is higher off the ground so it can go over more things like boulders and through deep fords. There is also a lot more room in the back for us to work with patients.”
Each vehicle costs £90,000, not including the medical equipment carried by the crews.
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