The new patient transport service (PTS) vehicle developed by Cartwright Conversions provides health service operators with an efficient and economical alternative to conventional ambulances for non-critical patient transportation tasks. The first fully-equipped vehicle is based around the popular Fiat Ducato chassis and has been delivered to the customer.

Conventional emergency response ambulances require considerable investment in terms of equipment and personnel in order to cope with a wide range of potential emergencies. Using them for routine patient transfers and non-emergency transportation is widely recognised as an inefficient use of resources. Instead, health service operators are driving a trend towards a new type of ambulance that while adapted for specialist tasks does not require the highest specification.

Cartwright Conversions has worked closely with customers to develop the PTS vehicle and provide a solution which meets both clinical and aesthetic needs while conforming to the strict CEN 1789 European safety standard for the construction of ambulances. The new vehicle incorporates a stretcher, wheelchair and facilities for attendants and accommodation for up to three passengers in the rear while the front cab has space for an attendant as well as the driver.

Steve Shaw, Commercial and Operations Director at Cartwright Conversions said:

“The PTS vehicle is an excellent example of how the combination of our experience, expertise and market knowledge is creating a new generation of ambulances and related blue light/NHS products that add value and support new ways of working for customers in the healthcare sector.”

The PTS vehicle forms part of the company’s wide emergency range which includes ambulances, rapid response vehicles, control vehicles, special incident vehicles and mountain rescue vehicles.