The Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance is designed to meet the diverse medical transportation needs of emergency medical services, hospitals, and private companies. Based on the reliable Crafter delivery van platform, the Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance combines strength, versatility, and innovation.
This purpose-built ambulance provides Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and other medical transportation providers the flexibility to support a range of emergency response and patient transfer duties. The Crafter Ambulance features an optimized layout and the latest equipment to aid medical teams in delivering critical care while in transit.
Whether deployed as a frontline paramedic ambulance or a secondary patient transport vehicle, the Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance delivers exceptional capability. The versatile design allows the interior to be customized to meet unique operational requirements. Volkswagen utilizes intelligent engineering and strategically integrates storage, stretched cabin space, and other key features to maximize usability for medical crews. This enables the Crafter Ambulance to excel in the demanding realm of pre-hospital care.
Interior Design
The Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance features an interior that is optimally designed for emergency medical services. The patient area layout maximizes space and functionality to provide efficient care.
Various equipment and medical devices can be installed in the ambulance to meet specific operational requirements. Oxygen cylinders, suction units, defibrillators, monitoring devices and more can be securely mounted. The vehicle electrical system can be adapted for medical equipment use.
Patient comfort and accessibility were top priorities in the interior design. The ergonomic layout allows providers ample working space and ability to reach the patient from all sides. There is sufficient headroom for providers to stand fully upright. The floor is flat which improves mobility of wheeled stretchers and chairs. Storage compartments, grab handles and bench seating allow flexible configuration options.
The materials used in the patient cabin are durable and easy to clean between transports. Surfaces are smooth without sharp edges. The interior lighting creates a calming environment while providing ideal visibility for medical procedures.
Overall, the Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance interior maximizes efficiency, safety and comfort for optimal emergency medical services delivery. The adaptable layout and ergonomic design provide a high-quality workspace for transporting and caring for patients.
Exterior Design
The Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance features several key exterior design elements that differentiate it from the standard Crafter van.
Firstly, it has an array of emergency lighting built into the bodywork. Blue LED lights are fitted into the front grille and roofline to provide high visibility when on call outs. Additional flashing orange sidelights help alert other road users and pedestrians. All the emergency lighting is linked to a master control panel inside the cabin.
Accessibility has also been a key focus for the exterior design. The Crafter Ambulance has an extra wide sliding side door to allow medical crews easy access to the patient cabin area. There are integrated steps and grab handles to aid entry. At the rear, there are double doors which open out 270 degrees – creating an open workspace for loading stretchers and wheelchairs.
The paintwork is also unique. As standard, Crafter Ambulances feature a high-visibility yellow color-scheme and chevrons on the rear doors. This helps identify the vehicle as an emergency services vehicle. Customers can also opt for an all-white or custom livery finish. Other external features include increased ground clearance, all terrain tyres and underbody protection – enhancing the capabilities for off-road use.
Overall, the exterior design differs considerably from a standard Crafter. It has been purposefully modified to create an emergency response vehicle that is highly visible, easily accessible and ready for challenging situations.
Safety Features
The Volkswagen Crafter ambulance is engineered with safety as a top priority. Volkswagen has conducted extensive crash testing to ensure maximum protection for passengers in the event of an accident.
The ambulance body is reinforced with ultra high-strength steel to create a rigid safety cell around occupants. Side impact beams and padding provide additional protection. Active safety features help drivers avoid accidents in the first place.
Crash Protection for Passengers
In frontal crash tests conducted by Volkswagen, the Crafter ambulance provides excellent protection for occupants. Seat belts and front airbags are standard. The front seats have an innovative design that absorbs crash energy and reduces forces on the neck and spine.
The ambulance module is securely attached to the chassis to prevent separation in a crash. The access doors provide sturdy protection thanks to their strengthened steel construction.
Driver Assist Technologies
To help mitigate driver errors and fatigue, the Crafter ambulance comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set speed and safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Automatic emergency braking detects impending collisions and applies the brakes.
Lane keeping assist gently steers the vehicle back into its lane if the driver drifts over the lines. A driver alert system monitors for drowsiness and prompts the driver to take a break. With surround view cameras, backing up and maneuvering in tight spaces becomes much easier and safer.
These smart technologies provide an extra layer of protection for ambulance drivers and passengers on the road. Volkswagen’s commitment to safety innovations allow emergency medical crews to transport patients securely.
Performance
The Crafter Ambulance is built for optimal performance, even in challenging conditions. Under the hood, it offers powerful engine options to handle hauling medical equipment and personnel.
- The 2.0L TDI diesel engine provides strong torque for confident acceleration even when fully loaded. This turbocharged engine achieves 300 Nm of torque.
- For even more power, the Crafter Ambulance is also available with a bi-turbo 2.0L TDI diesel engine. This generates a robust 410 Nm of torque for responsive performance in all situations.
The Crafter Ambulance handles inclines and rough roads with ease thanks to its all-wheel drive capabilities. The 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system actively distributes power between front and rear axles, providing excellent traction and control when navigating rough terrain. This allows the Crafter Ambulance to maintain steady progress even on steep hills or uneven surfaces.
With its muscular engines and capable all-wheel drive system, the Crafter Ambulance delivers the robust performance required for emergency medical services in demanding conditions. Its power and traction give EMS personnel confidence that they can transport patients quickly and safely, even on difficult roads. The Crafter Ambulance has the performance credentials needed for reliable service as an ambulance.
Fuel Efficiency
The Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance is designed with fuel efficiency in mind to reduce operating costs for emergency medical services.
The ambulance achieves excellent fuel economy thanks to its efficient diesel engines. Models equipped with the standard 2.0L TDI diesel engine achieve an EPA-estimated 25 mpg highway and 21 mpg city. Upgrading to the more powerful bi-turbo 2.0L TDI diesel improves torque while still delivering an admirable 24 mpg highway and 21 mpg city.
These ratings mean the Crafter Ambulance can save significantly on fuel costs compared to gas-powered ambulances. Less trips to the pump means more time on the road responding to emergencies.
Volkswagen also equips the Crafter Ambulance with innovative emissions-reduction technology. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) injects a urea-based solution to convert nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water vapor, reducing smog-causing NOx emissions. This helps the Crafter meet stringent emissions standards and have less environmental impact.
With its fuel-efficient diesel engines and advanced emissions systems, the Crafter Ambulance provides environmental and economic benefits for emergency medical services. Drivers can travel farther between fill ups, spend less on fuel over time, and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions per mile.
Maintenance
The Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance is designed for ease of maintenance to keep your vehicle in peak operating condition.
Regular maintenance is crucial for an ambulance that needs to be in service 24/7. Volkswagen has optimized the Crafter Ambulance service intervals to every 20,000 miles or every 2 years, whichever comes first. This ensures that critical components are inspected and maintained regularly without excessive downtime.
Easy access to key service points is another advantage of the Crafter Ambulance. The hood opens wide to reveal an unobstructed engine bay. Oil and fluid checks can be performed quickly through easy-to-reach dipsticks and fills. The air filter, battery, and fuses are all situated in convenient locations for rapid replacement when needed.
Brake pads can be inspected through access ports instead of removing the entire wheel. The Crafter Ambulance also has a maintenance hatch underneath the vehicle which allows access to critical drivetrain components for servicing. This minimizes the need for lifting the vehicle on a hoist which takes additional time.
With Volkswagen’s focus on simplified maintenance procedures, Crafter Ambulance owners can have confidence that their vehicle will be ready to respond whenever needed. Easy access to components combined with optimized service intervals reduces overall operating costs while maximizing uptime.
Customization
The Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance can be customized in various ways to suit different applications.
Conversion Options
- The spacious interior allows for different layouts and equipment based on your needs. Options include choosing between a Type A, Type B or Type C ambulance.
- Type A is best for basic life support without a cot, Type B includes a cot and medical devices, while Type C is essentially a mobile emergency room with more advanced equipment.
- Converting to a mobile clinic, transport shuttle, command center or other specialty vehicle is also possible. The high roof provides ample headroom to create multi-level interiors.
- Request a blank canvas model without any interior fittings installed, allowing complete flexibility for custom layouts. Or choose partially fitted interiors to upgrade specific components.
Aftermarket Upgrades
- Install an upgraded air suspension system for greater load capacity and a smoother ride. Higher performance brakes improve stopping power for heavy duty use.
- Outfit the interior with rugged floors, easy-clean wall panels, cabinetry, workstations, and storage solutions tailored to your exact needs.
- Upgrade the electrical system to support more equipment, install an auxiliary battery system, and add extra scene lighting.
- Wrap the exterior with custom decals and graphics to give your ambulance a unique branded look. Window tinting can also be added.
- There are endless possibilities for specialized aftermarket upgrades and enhancements. Consult an authorized outfitter to create the ideal custom ambulance for your services.
Technology
The Volkswagen Crafter Ambulance comes equipped with the latest technology to assist drivers and provide connectivity.
Driver Assist Features
The Crafter Ambulance has a range of advanced driver assistance systems to help make driving and maneuvering easier. This includes:
- Park Assist – This system uses sensors to automatically park the vehicle in parallel or perpendicular parking spots. The driver only needs to operate the accelerator and brakes. Park Assist reduces stress and makes parking in tight spots effortless.
- Rear View Camera System – A camera at the rear gives the driver a clear view behind the ambulance. This helps with reversing and avoiding objects when maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System – After a collision, this system automatically brakes the vehicle to avoid secondary crashes.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Using a front radar system, this feature maintains a constant speed and traffic gap for relaxed highway driving. It automatically brakes and accelerates based on the flow of traffic.
Connectivity and Telematics
The Crafter Ambulance has the latest telematics and connectivity for fleet management and convenience:
- Fleet Management System – This allows GPS tracking of the vehicle location and maintenance alerts to optimize fleet operation.
- Emergency Call Service – In the event of an accident, this system automatically connects with emergency responders and provides details like location and vehicle type.
- Car-Net App – Drivers can access useful features on their smartphone like remote lock/unlock and status updates.
With advanced assist systems for safety and efficiency, along with telematics for convenience, the Crafter Ambulance leverages the latest technology for public services. This ensures a connected, managed and future-ready emergency response vehicle.
Conclusion: Dependable, Safe and Versatile Ambulance
The 2022 Volkswagen Crafter ambulance is a dependable and versatile vehicle designed for transporting and caring for patients safely and efficiently.
This ambulance features a spacious interior cabin with ample headroom, allowing emergency medical technicians to monitor and assist patients comfortably. The interior can be easily customized with medical equipment like stretchers, cardiac monitors, oxygen tanks and more.
For smooth transport, the Crafter ambulance is equipped with a powerful turbo diesel engine and rear wheel drive for excellent traction. Safety features like stability control, lane assist and rearview cameras ensure safe journeys for crews and patients.
With its durable exterior built on a commercial van platform, the Crafter can withstand the demands of emergency response driving. The high roof provides easy access for loading in the back, while the large side and rear doors allow crews 360° access to the patient cabin.
Overall, the Volkswagen Crafter ambulance provides crews the ideal balance of performance, safety and versatility. Its tried and tested commercial van construction provides durability you can count on, while the spacious customizable interior caters to any medical configuration required.
For ambulance services seeking a dependable vehicle that puts patient care first, the 2022 Volkswagen Crafter ambulance checks all the boxes. [Call to action encouraging potential buyers to get in touch to learn more about custom ambulance conversions].
