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Daily answers hospital call
Page 18
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by Colin Barnett
The past few years haven't seen Iveco as prominent In the UK front-line ambulance market as it once was—but it intends to change all that with the Daily 45C15/P variant, a chassis cab developed specifically for this relatively low-volume but high-profile market. Iveco also sells the 42C15/P van for conversion. CM has been to iveco's UK HQ to try out one of the latest chassis-cab models.
Although products from a number of bodybuilders are available, the example we tried was from the Finnish Profile company. The body module is attached to a 3,750mm wheelbase chassis, powered by the 2.8-litre 143hp Sofim engine and ZF 56300 direct-drive six-speed transmission. Suspension on ambulances Is always a tricky one, balancing the need for goad handling under blue-light conditions with a comfortable ride for the patient.
Iveco's answer is independent torsion bars at the front and Its own factory-fit electronically controlled two-bag air suspension at the rear. The all-disc brakes Include the full electronic control package of anti-lock, traction control and brake distribution.
For what is essentially just a box, the Profile body has unusual and aerodynamic styling. Primary access is through a double rear door and fold-down step, aided by lowering rear suspension controlled from the driving seat and from a switch just inside the rear door. There is also a wide sliding door on the nearside front of the saloon. Inside, our example had a single stretcher configuration, with three individual seats, two forward and one rearward facing, for attendants or walking wounded. Naturally, provision is made to accommodate the latest medical equip rnent and the interior materials and design have easy hygiene in mind. Outside, a bolted frame with replaceable panels will help to achieve the body's design life of 15 years, fitted to new chassis as required.
On the road, the first thought is that it is not quite as lively as you might have expected, until you realise that the ambulance has a GVW of 4,600kg, and in working condition is not far off this figure. One reason for this weight is that ambulances must now conform with the European CEN EN 1789 standard, which among other things calls for the patient saloon to withstand a log force in any direction. Once underway, though, the Daily is soon able to achieve and maintain a decent speed. The suspension compromise works well, with the Daily able to be hustled briskly through roundabouts while not causing any avoidable discomfort in the rear.