Great Western Air Ambulance Charity critical care responders will now be able to reach the most remote emergency 999 calls by car after adding ŠKODA’s versatile KODIAQ to its fleet.
Milton Keynes, 28 September 2020 –Residents across the region – Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, North East Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire – already benefit from the charity’s Helimed 65 helicopter which responds to the most serious incidents. Now with the ŠKODA KODIAQ, the critical care team has a vehicle capable of reaching an emergency when it’s unsuitable for a helicopter to fly or when the location of the patient is easier to access by road.
With the charity receiving over 2,000 call-outs in 2019, of which over two thirds were responded to by critical care cars, the ŠKODA KODIAQ SE L 2.0-litre TDI 190 PS 4X4 is a welcome addition to the fleet.
Day-to-day, critical care teams will benefit from the car’s broad and flexible capabilities, including a 0-62mph in little over eight seconds, class-leading interior space and 4x4 capability, ensuring they can reach the scene of almost any incident quickly and with the essential equipment needed.
The KODIAQ underwent a bespoke conversation to meet Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s individual needs. Its 720-litre boot capacity has been fully redesigned to effectively house all of the life-saving equipment such as oxygen tanks and ventilators. The vehicle’s infotainment system has also been moved to allow for a 999-response screen to be installed, providing the on-board crew with details of each emergency and the quickest route to the scene.
Aesthetic finishing touches to the vehicle, all provided by ŠKODA’s approved convertor Halls Electrical Ltd, include a bespoke air ambulance livery and lighting system so that the vehicle is clearly identifiable.
John Wood, Air Operations Officer at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Having reliable, appropriate and fully equipped cars are essential for us to reach and treat patients in the most effective way. The new ŠKODA vehicles will enable our team to negotiate tougher terrain and drive safely in challenging weather conditions to reach patients quickly and safely, particularly in rural areas.”
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