Ambulances for All Purposes
Page 35
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THREE special ambulance bodies have been designed and built by Harrison's (Essex Road), Ltd., 370, Essex Road, London, Ni, and are being marketed by Coaches and Components, Ltd., 469-471a, Holloway Road. London, N.7, for various classes of work for hospitals and the Services at home and abroad. They are built to suit what was originally known as the Chevrolet 25-cwt. chassis, but which is now classified as the 15-20-cwt. model.
Of the three, we illustrate two. The upper is an orthodox type for normal work. It is, perhaps, somewhat elaborate for active-service conditions abroad, but is sturdily built and capable of heavy-duty work on the home front.
The other has a boarded tilt with canopy, and is suit
able for active-service conditions in any climate, whilst it will accommodate four full-size stretchers with suitable gear and first-aid equipment. The dimensions are : Length, 9 ft. ; width, 5 ft. 6 ins. ; height, 5 ft. 9 ins.
The third model, to which similar remarks apply, has a hoarded tilt with separate cab, and is of the same dimensions, except that the height is 5 ft. 2 ins.
It is important to point out that the standard Chevrolet chassis is one of the few on the market to-day capable of handling a body of full size for four stretchers, two attendants and the driver, making seven in all, together with the necessary equipment.
Reverting to the special model, this has accommodation for two stretcher cases and four sitting ; alternatively,it can be arranged for three stretcher cases, or adapted, at slight extra cost, for four.
The body framing is in ash, and the panelling in aluminium and steel sheet. The cab is integrally built, with coach-type doors and Stayput window adjusters. A partition behind the driver is equipped with a double sliding glass panel. There are two half-doors at the rear with outrigger hinges so that they can fold hack along the body sides. A well section stretches across the body at the rear to facilitate loading, and the folding rear step slides under the'floor when not in use.
The sides and roof are panelled internally in plywood, and the finish is in white enamel, colour or natural wood as required. The fittings include interior electric light, water bottle and glass in wooden holder, and inlaid cork lino.
Ventilation is afforded by two extractor-type ventilators in the roof, whilst Purdah glass windows are fitted at the sides and in the rear doors.
The stretcher gear is of the well-known Carter make with type 812 stretchers and Portland elevating gear, with parallel-rule extension runner for the third stretcher case. The main dimensions of this body are :—Floor length, 8 ft. ; well, width 1 ft. 4 ins., drop 8 ins. ; width, 5 ft. 3 ins,; height, 5 ft. l ins, at rear.
Additional equipment, such as heaters, electric gong, carrying chair, loading lamp and. Dunlopillo bed and pillow, can be provided as required.