Sarah
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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 18 Mar 1931
Page 3 Column 5
TAUNTON'S NEW AMBULANCE.
SPECIALLY BUILT FOR £360.
READY FOR THE ROAD.
Taunton's new ambulance car, which has been specially built to meet local requirements, is now ready for the road. Supplied by Messrs C. ALLEN & Son, Ltd., of Tone Bridge Works, at a cost of approximately £360, this vehicle is a credit to the town and compares favourably with ambulances marketed at double the cost. Public subscriptions have been made for some time past, but a Somerset County Herald reporter was informed this week that the money received does not cover the outlay. As ambulance work is entirely dependent on charities, the Secretaries, Messrs. Albert GOODMAN & Co., Taunton, are anxious that the public should show further generosity. The old ambulance was in use for more than five years, it is now very much out of date. A new one has been sadly needed for some time.
At present the new vehicle is on view at the show-rooms of Messrs. ALLEN's garage. It is a Chevrolet six-cylinder, with a 30-cwt. chassis, specially sprung and fitted with extra large oversize pneumatic tyres. The body is of attractive design and the maroon and cream finish gives it an excellent appearance. A special advantage is the forward cab, which will accommodate two attendants and the driver. The windscreen is specially constructed for ventilation.
THE EQUIPMENT.
The internal equipment has been specially designed for the requirements of Taunton and district, and two stretcher cases can be carried. The usual method adopted for this purpose is to have one person above the other, but the new ambulance is wide enough to take them side by side. At the end is a tip-up seat for the attendant. One of the supports for a stretcher can be lifted up against the side, and if this is done a patient in a wheeled chair can be carried. With one stretcher case there is also room for four or five sitting patients. The ambulance is electrically lighted and efficiently ventilated, and there is a sliding window at the rear. The attendant can speak to the driver by sliding a glass panel.