Skoda Kodiaq joins Great Western Air Ambulance Charity critical care team

The Skoda Kodiaq is the latest vehicle to join the Great Western Air Ambulance fleet.

With the addition of the Kodiaq, the critical care team has a vehicle capable of reaching an emergency when the location of the patient is easier to access by road, or when it’s unsuitable for a helicopter to fly.

With the charity receiving over 2,000 callouts in 2019, of which over two thirds were responded to by critical care cars, the Skoda Kodiaq SE L 2.0-litre TDI 190 PS 4X4 is a welcome addition to the fleets, says John Wood, air operations officer at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity.

He said: “Having reliable, appropriate and fully equipped cars are essential for us to reach and treat patients in the most effective way.

“The new Skoda vehicles will enable our team to negotiate tougher terrain and drive safely in challenging weather conditions to reach patients quickly and safely, particularly in rural areas.”

The Kodiaq has undergone bespoke conversion, including adapting the 720-litre boot to store oxygen tanks and ventilators.

The vehicle’s infotainment system has also been moved to allow for a 999-response screen to be installed, providing the on-board crew with details of each emergency and the quickest route to the scene.

Residents across the region – Bristol, Bath, North Somerset, North East Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire – already benefit from the charity’s Helimed 65 helicopter which responds to the most serious incidents.