Ambulance

Overview

The ambulance is a Type II emergency medical vehicle built on a commercial cutaway van platform. Unlike the larger Type I and Type III box ambulances, the Type II retains the integral van body, giving a lower roofline, tighter turning circle, and easier handling in dense urban traffic. It pairs a heavy-duty van Base Van Chassis with a purpose-engineered Medical Module that converts the cargo area into a self-contained patient treatment compartment.

The vehicle carries one wheeled cot plus attendant seating, with onboard oxygen, suction, monitoring, and defibrillation equipment. It is designed for rapid response, patient stabilization, and transport to a receiving hospital.

Construction

The foundation is the Base Van Chassis, a front-engine, rear-drive van platform. Motive power comes from a turbo-diesel Diesel Engine coupled to an Automatic Transmission, chosen for its torque, durability, and tolerance of extended idling at scene. Fuel is supplied by the Fuel System, and combustion gases pass through an emissions-controlled Exhaust System incorporating a diesel particulate filter. The driver sits in the Driver Cab, which carries the dashboard, instrumentation, climate controls, and dual front seats.

Behind the cab, the Medical Module integrates the clinical systems. A powered Powered Stretcher Cot loads and locks to the floor, while the Oxygen System feeds wall outlets and flowmeters from two stored cylinders. Patient assessment relies on the Defibrillator/Monitor and Patient Monitor, both microprocessor-based units. The compartment is illuminated and signalled by an Emergency Light Bar and Siren System for emergency operation. Independent power for the medical equipment is provided by the Module Electrical System subsystem, which adds an inverter, auxiliary battery, and shore-power inlet so equipment stays charged between calls.