| 
|
|
 |
Patient care and staff safety were the twin priorities when ambulance chiefs in Sussex drew up the specification for some of the most advanced front-line units yet seen on Britain’s roads.
The 18 new Mercedes Sprinters cost around £100,000 each. As well as a comprehensive array of life-saving medical equipment, they have tail-lifts capable of carrying chairs and stretchers, and closed circuit television systems.
The power-assisted tail-lifts make transfers to and from the vehicles safer and more comfortable for patients. By greatly reducing the amount of manual handling involved they also limit the incidence of back problems suffered by staff, a major problem nationally.
The CCTV systems cover the patient compartments and the areas immediately behind the ambulances. The cameras help to prevent accidents when reversing but, no less important, can also provide vital evidence which the authorities can use to secure successful prosecutions against those who assault crews, usually during late night, alcohol or drugs-related incidents.
Worthing dealer Rossetts Commercials supplied the 4.6-tonne Sprinter 416CDI chassis cabs, which are powered by 156bhp five-cylinder engines and fitted with innovative Sprintshift transmissions that can be used as clutchless manuals or in full automatic mode. Their comprehensively equipped box bodies are the work of Walsall-based specialist MacNeillie & Son.
The new ambulances are also the first on the Sussex fleet to comply with the stringent CEN European safety standard.
“These new Mercedes are at the cutting edge of ambulance technology,” declares Fleet Manager Keith Hicks. “Our focus throughout has been on patient care and staff safety, and we are delighted with the result.
“The tail-lifts are already contributing to a reduction in the number of staff absences through back injuries while the CCTV cameras will help us to combat the growing problem of violence against our crews, which is particularly prevalent on Friday and Saturday nights when the pubs and clubs close.”
Mr Hicks adds: “I have only been in this post for a year and inherited the Mercedes front-line fleet, but have seen no reason to change – the Sprinter offers excellent performance and is popular with our crews, while the back-up from Rossetts Commercials is first class.” |
| | |
Model range
Your toolkit