Skoda Kodiaq converted for South Western Ambulance Service

By Gareth Roberts

24 January 2020

Skoda has supplied a fleet of converted Kodiaqs to South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

The operational commanders required a bespoke conversion that involved elements such as moving the brand’s 9.2 inch infotainment screen on to the passenger’s side, a fully converted storage area for equipment, additional power supplies, auxiliary battery, split charging and mains shoreline capability.

In all, 18 Kodiaqs that have been converted by Skoda’s approved partner, Halls Electrical. A fully qualified team of engineers modified the seven-seat SUV for the ambulance service to meet the operational requirements of its clinical team.

One of the main elements to the new design is the inclusion of a second screen in the centre console and the movement of the existing infotainment system to be positioned above the glove box. The new screen houses important information relating to 999 calls.

The 720-litre boot has been re-designed to house essential life-saving equipment and offer plenty of storage compartments. In the rear, two seats have been removed to provide additional space for equipment, a fire extinguisher as well as an in-built combination safe for storing controlled drugs.

Robin Gwinnett, learning and development Manager for South Western Ambulance Service, said: “We have chosen the Skoda Kodiaq as our operational officer vehicle because of the space available for the specialist and technical equipment required by this staff group.

“The vehicle offers the level of safety and comfort that our crews demand from operational vehicles. It blends excellent on-road handling characteristics with enough off-road performance for the majority of the situations our operations officers face on a daily basis.”

Rob Hughes, Halls Electrical technical director, added: “Working closely with the fleet department and operational commanders from SWASFT, we have produced a compliant, cost effective solution to fully meet the requirements of this wide ranging and complex role.”

Bespoke conversions for emergency service fleets can be provided through Skoda’s ‘one-stop’ shop package. Skoda fleet can provide the vehicles fully converted to suit specific requirements.