Updated August 18, 2014
A relatively new crop of innovative potential ambulance chassis hold the promise of making ambulance transport safer and more efficient. Before I share some of the more interesting developments, it might help to look back on how we got here.
A Ride Down Memory Lane
I started working in EMS on a Tuna Truck. It was an International Harvester over-the-cab truck with a windowless aftermarket box on the back. Then I graduated to a real ambulance, a Superior Cadillac. In my opinion, this was one of the best emergency vehicles ever produced.
When I later moved to standard Type II van-based ambulances and Type I truck-based ambulances, I began making excuses for why I needed to spend the day in one of the last Cadillacs.
Over time I noticed a trend toward build bigger and bigger ambulances. It seemed like EMS vehicles were in an arms race to build the biggest monster. Some of these include the Kenworth D270 Chassis, the Hino 258ALP and International TerraStar chassis.
It got to the point where in one major city the ambulances were so big they couldn’t fit on the tiny roads; paramedics had to leave the rig at the end of the street and carry patients down to the corner on their stretchers.
Ford Motor Company has for many years dominated the ambulance industry. They probably produce over half of all the chassis underneath ambulances in America, though that dominance has slipped of late, while GM has really come a long way.
Smaller designs
What I’m most excited about are some of the newer, smaller ambulances being produced. The first big hit was the modern Mercedes Sprinter. These are kinda love ‘em or hate ‘em vehicles.
I know some medics who really like the convenience, maneuverability, reliability and economy. But others decry the lower payload, particularly agencies that are dual service and carry fire and/or rescue gear plus extrication equipment.
The “Sprinter Killer”
There are some new competitors to the Sprinter, including the new Ram ProMaster - already dubbed the “Sprinter Killer.” It features three different wheelbases and two engine options, including the 3.0 turbodiesel.
The ProMaster will have a low entry height, tight handling and high ceiling for economically carrying cargo. It will be the perfect ambulance chassis for urban areas.
Ram claims a payload capacity of up to 5,145 pounds and a gross combined weight rating of 11,500 pounds with the V-6 and 12,500 pounds if you opt for the diesel. More can be found in the Car & Driver article here.
The economy has created a pent-up demand to replace aging ambulances. This has created an opportunity, and the ProMaster will be an attractive choice, with a variety of capable and efficient models ready for the job.
Offerings from major players
Another interesting option is the Nissan NV. Nissan chose to create an all-new dedicated chassis for its van. Aside from one cross member, the NV’s fully boxed ladder frame looks as if it “could have been sectioned out of New York’s 59th Street Bridge”.
Last, you have to give credit to Ford Motors for an entirely original solution. The Ford Transit could be a highly desirable alternative to the typical Type II trucks.
The Transit goes on sale both in the U.S. and Europe later next year, reaching dealerships here as a 2014 model. It still isn’t clear how the Transit will be badged here in the states. There have been trademark applications from Ford for T-250, T-450, and T-550 that lead me to believe the big van could be marketed under any of these names.
We are going to see some interesting options for ambulance chassis and an increasingly competitive market. It is my hope that some of these newer vehicles could provide EMS safer and more fuel-efficient options, that ride better and are cheaper to maintain. That can’t be a bad thing.
