The two vehicles are unique in their conception. According to representatives of company KOV Velim there isn’t anyone in Europe who manufactures such ambulance cars, the company recently won a competition for their extension of the vehicles Mercedes underframe.
Close to 400 call outs a year
“These vehicles came into existence based on the experiences of our crews when transporting patients from distant places in Europe,” stated director of Prague Ambulance Service Zdeněk Schwarz, who has participated in such missions and who is an initiator of the project.
“The crew arrive at the destination, often they smell of sweat, brush their teeth at the petrol station, often they don’t have anywhere to go to the toilet or they sleep in hotel, this way there are problems with parking, and on top of it all it is very expensive. Insurance companies are constantly putting pressure on us to minimise our expenses and this is why we have decided to develop these ambulances,” said Schwarz. Every year Prague Ambulance Service transports close to 400 patients from overseas.
All the way to Ural and back
Patient transfers take on average two days. By air and with hotel and other expenses it can add up to be a very expensive affair especially as it is not always possible to take the patient on a plane because it is nearly impossible to travel in a cast corset.
“Our ambulance cars were called out to somewhere past Ural,” stated Z. Schwarz, so it is definitely worth having such a fully equipped car. The ambulance doesn’t have only standard equipment given to ambulance cars by law, but is fitted out for the comfort for the crew (and also for the patient) – kitchen, toilet, shower, small rest room and a small cover to protect from sun and rain can be installed on both sides of the car.
Ambulance for many uses
This type of ambulance can be used not only for transport but also for assisting. rescue workers who are involved with big incidents. Ambulance crews will be able to use this vehicle because it has the necessary equipment not only for patients but also for the crew. “We will use it at briefings, trainings and other educational projects, “said Schwarz. The vehicle cost was 3.5 million CZK.
The equipment is of a high standard
These mobile hotels are divided to include a patient toilet, sink, shower, fridge to store food and a small kitchenette. Air-conditioning and heating are, contrary to normal cars, independent on the engine. Both ambulances will expand Prague’s ambulance fleet– the XXL ambulance made for overweight patients and for patients in wheelchairs and system Golem which is a special mobile ambulance service.
Investment into a dispatching centre
Every year Prague’s ambulance modifies ten vehicles, this year five are already completed not counting the two new special long distance ambulances.
“This year the money we use to put towards buying new cars will go on special dispatch centre equipment. The centre was established twelve years ago and it needs updating,” advised Schwarz.
