The Mercedes-Benz Vito is an ideal base vehicle for conversion of ambulances for short- to medium distance transfers, mobile intensive care units and mobile clinics.
THE BENEFITS OF a mid-size van-type ambulance include an ergonomically designed interior with a generously proportioned cockpit and comfortable seats, which offer a pleasant environment for the crew and patient comfort as well as sufficient storage and working space. Nicolette Lambrechts, brand manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans, says: “With its generous working area, high roof with rear wing doors and a low, ergonomic loading height for the stretcher, the Vito panel van offers unmatched versatility to the emergency services industry.” Lambrechts adds that Mercedes-Benz panel vans are versatile and can be converted into any emergency medical services (EMS) conversion requirement or solution. “We work with recommended bodybuilders that adhere to strict Mercedes-Benz bodybuilder directives. We also interface closely with the customer to understand their application requirements,”Lambrechts continues. The prototype is then built and approved with the bodybuilder to ensure that it meets customer satisfaction and legal regulatory standards from National Regulator for Compulsory Standards. Driver assistance
The Vito’s intelligent driver assistance and safety systems are best in class and include Adaptive ESP, which maintains vehicle stability and superior handling in emergency situations. When it comes to interior design, the Vito is tough to beat. Its practical equipment and appointments, along with a wealth of intelligent system solutions, offer flexible usage options and allow a high degree of individualisation and specialisation for an emergency vehicle conversion.
Mpumelelo Zulu, Mercedes-Benz Vans product manager, says: “Safety is essential for emergency services and it is one of the factors that have helped to make the Vito so popular. Our engineers have paid particularly close attention to the aspects of the vehicle that affect the customer’s bottom line: reliability, long-service life and engines that combine fuel economy with ample power reserves.” Zulu elaborates that in the emergency services sector, quick response time, vehicle reliability and safety are of crucial importance. “Emergency service personnel require a vehicle that is capable of responding to the demands and challenges they face when attending to cases. We firmly believe that the Mercedes-Benz Vito is up to the task. Additional benefits of using a Vito as EMS conversion are use of Code 8/B Licence for drivers, long service intervals of up to 30 000 km as well as an extensive Mercedes-Benz Dealer footprint nationwide. “We also offer driver training and CharterWay service and maintenance contracts in order for the customer to maximise the benefits that the Mercedes-Benz Vito offers. To ensure maximum uptime, we have a customer response centre and we are monitor all cases at head office level,” Lambrechts concludes.
