UK Emergency Vehicles ukemergency.co.uk
A line-up of WYMAS ambulances outside Leeds General Infirmary.
X702 NWU and V978 KWU, A WYMAS Volvo rapid response car driver chats to his colleagues in a traditional emergency ambulance.
A line-up of London Ambulance Service vehicles at Biggin Hill. This and the next three pictures were kindly donated by Barry O’Sullivan.
This is a LAS control vehicle, for use at major incidents. It’s control status is shown by the checker markings around the edge of the roof.
C56 JVX This ex-St. John Ford Transit conversion ambulance has had some odd changes made to it! These include ‘ambulance’ being replaced with ‘ambience’ and graffiti-style paintwork added.
The rear view of the same C-registration vehicle, showing the art work on the rear doors. It is believed that the ambulance is being used for advertising by a private owner.
Y185 SDM This is a Mitshubishi Shogun Pinin that would be used for rapid response duties. It’s lack of crest indicates that it is a private ambulance service vehicle.
P994 BTH The Welsh Ambulance Service operates this Vauxhall Monterey 4×4. It is again used for rapid response duties.
EX51 PZX Here is a new Ford Transit that is a demonstration vehicle for Modular Ambulance, a British Ambulance coachbuilder.
KN02 OCU This is a 2002 Mercedes Vaneo patient transport vehicle. Based on the A-Class, the lengthened wheelbase and larger back means that it is a compact yet capable people carrier.
Here is a British built Honda Civic in a generic ambulance service livery. It is intended for rapid response duties.
YS51 FYK Renault vans have been used for the base of ambulances since the 1980’s. This picture shows the latest generation of their diesel powered Master van.
This East Anglian service Mercedes displays its all over day glow yellow colour scheme.
Iveco were the first company to offer diesel-engined ambulances that were able to meet the strict performance requirements. This is an incident support unit, which houses its own computer system.
Another view of an Iveco Daily diesel powered ambulance.
This Honda CRV has the benefits of being able to go off road and carry a large amount of medical equipment.
Note the tiny blue flashing lights on the lower corners on the bumper of this Honda CRV.
ML02 HGC Here we have an MCC Smart Car. It is powered by a 3 cylinder 660cc turbo-charged engine that can produce up to 85 bhp. When this is combined with its light weight, it means that the vehicle is swift.
However, this car is only a two seater and has only a small amount of room for medical equipment. The price of nearly £10,000 will deter many fleet buyers as well.
This Iveco Daily demonstrator ambulance is powered by a 146 bhp 2.8 litre common rail turbo-charged diesel engine. Combined with a six speed gearbox, it gives a top speed of just under 100 mph.
The Renault Megane Scenic RX4 shares similar attributes to the Honda CRV. It is both capable on and off road.
The primary role of this vehicle is again for rapid response duties. In rural areas or in winter the advantage of having four wheel drive will be life saving.
Mercedes provide the basis for this vehicle that has been converted by JAKAB (UK) who are specialist vehicle body builders. Note the strange positioning of the blue flashing lights on the vehicles bonnet.
Fiat provided this new Stilo in the livery of a first response vehicle. By mounting the flashing lights on a roof rack, it means that there are less holes in the body work when the vehicle is sold on.
The highly reflective rear colour scheme can clearly be seen on this photograph.
Birmingham based LDV displayed this Convoy minibus in LAS livery. It has the advantage of being highly accessible, with a rear wheel chair lift and a side door.
The Scottish Ambulance Service has bought several of this type of Mercedes vehicle. It has a high output diesel engine, four wheel drive and adjustable height air suspension.
This radio controlled ambulance was part of a demonstration for Auto-Eject. This company provides electrical equipment for ambulances.
T918 ARW Photographed in a car park, this is a Volvo V70 Cross Country. It has a turbocharged five cylinder petrol engine and four wheel drive.
Another East Anglian ambulance similar to the one above. All ambulances will soon have to be this day glow yellow colour to meet European requirements.
This Ford Transit ambulance differs from the one at the top of the page by having a narrower back on the vehicle. It also has a sliding side loading door and a different roof light arrangement.
Mercedes also provide ambulances with a six speed sequential gearboxes and clutch less transmissions. This makes it ideal for driving in stop start conditions such as in busy towns.
This Volvo V40 estate can carry large amounts of medical equipment safely. It is also quick, with a turbo-charged four cylinder petrol engine.
A front view of the above vehicle. As this is a demonstrator vehicle, it has a limited amount of operational markings.
The Volvo S80 provides the basis for this strange looking ambulance. The chassis has been extended by one metre prior to the fitment of the composite ambulance body.
It is supposed to be more car like than van like to drive. This particular model was fitted with such luxuries as an automatic transmission, leather seats and even a walnut dashboard!
This Volvo has many special features to note. It is designed to carry an emergency medical team including doctors. Specialist equipment can be stored in the roof box which is also has many small blue flashing lights on it.