Small ambulance to hit roads

ACCIDENT victims trapped in deserts or narrow roads can soon expect the arrival of the "world's smallest ambulance" to their rescue.

The rescue van, which has derived its brand name from the strategy game GECCO, (Game Environment for Command and Control Operations), is set to hit the UAE roads soon.

The German company, which specially designed the Rescue Alltrail Van CS Gecco for the Middle East, exhibited the vehicle at the recently concluded Arab Health 2008 exhibition in Dubai.

Specialised in managing and operating emergency medical services and air rescue systems, Incentive MED Interational AG had actually manufactured the special vehicle for providing professional emergency services during Haj in Saudi Arabia, according to the CEO Thorsten Anker.

"There are three types of ambulances manufactured according to international norms. This doesn't fall in any one of these three. This is a special vehicle that can make rescue operations in hard-to-access and remote areas possible for the first time," Anker told The Gulf Today.

He said it would be quite easy for the small ambulance to reach rescue operation spots in deserts and congested roads. "Because of its size, it is outstanding at getting through even narrow, low alleys and passages."

According to the manufacturers, the four-wheel drive with raised chassis, strengthened steering, special tyres, double floor pan, front and rear bumpers, independent front suspension and a rigid rear axle would make the van the best off-road rescue vehicle in the world. Thanks to an integrated, remote controllable and mobile winch for front and rear, recovery operations are also possible.

The four-wheel drive car offers enough space for three crew members, one patient and state-of-the-art medical equipment. Patients can be transported in both a lying and upright positions. A high-performance cooling system and a roof-mounted air-conditioning system enable rescue operations even under extreme climatic conditions.

"We have been teaching paramedics with Abu Dhabi police for over three years. So, we are familiar with the rescue operation scenario here. Within next couple of months, we will open our office in Abu Dhabi and start operating the mobile clinics," said Anker.

He said he had already held discussions with many interested parties in the UAE. One of the VIPs he had met in Dubai was the Director of Dubai Civil Defence Colonel Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi. Though he confirmed that the rescue van could be introduced in Dubai within six months, he refused to give details of the agreements made for it.

"We have lots of agreements now. Hospitals from both government and private sectors have approached us. First we will start in Abu Dhabi and then we are planning to expand in other emirates," he said.

The van's cost ranges from $38,000 to $48,000 depending on the features and facilities available.

Source: The Gulf Today