Land-Rover Ambulances for the Tropics
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Two new ambulances specially
designed to operate over rough or swampy ground in the tropics have been shipped to British Borneo. They are the result of collaboration between Herbert Lomas, Ltd., Wilmslow, Cheshire, engineers of the Shell Petroleum Co., Ltd., and the Rover Motor Co., Ltd., and will be used by Sarawak Oilfields, Ltd., and Brunei Shell.
The chassis used is the standard fourc12
wheel-drive Land-Rover of 107-in. wheelbase, with outrigged springing and fitted with both telescopic and Andre Telecontrol shock absorbers. The Telecontrol units enable the driver to effect adjustments while travelling and thus give maximum comfort to patients when driving over rough country.
Although unusually small, the vehicles can carry one stretcher case, three sitting cases and one attendant. Alternatively, they can take two stretcher cases and one attendant. In an emergency an extra sitting case and attendant can be carried. The stretcher platform is made to take the new international stretcher, so that patients can if necessary easily be transferred to an aircraft.
Designed for tropical use, the all-metal bodies are of alloy construction, with double roofs, and are insulated between outer and inner panels. Doors and window apertures are sealed against water and dust. A towing attachment is concealed under the rear step for extricating the vehicle in the event of difficulty. In addition to the usual firttaid equipment, each ambulance has a water tank with wash basin and a resuscitator.
Such a well-designed vehicle as this should be highly appreciated.