Me and the rigs at work

**OTEP** · April 25th, 2007 09:06 AM

Having sold my Pajero and not really having a personal car at the moment, I have to make do with the vehicles they provide at work. Here are some of them.

This is AeroMed's 2005 Toyota High Ace Grandia GL aka AERO12 which is the standby unit at Makati Medical Center ready to respond to emergencies within the area at a moment's notice. As with all AeroMed vehicles, AERO12 is an Advanced Life Support unit capable of transporting ICU cases.

The body graphics are derived from the London ambulance service and is designed to make the vehicle stand out in traffic making it more visible to other motorists. There are flashing lamps mounted on the roof and on the tailgate as well as two independent siren systems (with P/A).

**mazdamazda** · April 25th, 2007 09:12 AM

nice graphics... kitang kita nga...

**OTEP** · April 25th, 2007 09:16 AM

This one is a 1988 Ford Trauma Van aka AERO4. The Trauma Vans are now primarily used to patrol the NLEX after AeroMed was awarded the contract last April 1 to be the NLEX's ambulance service provider. AERO4 is also used as a standby vehicle during motorsports events. In the photos, AERO4 is on standby at the Batangas Racing Circuit for the Shell Go Kart Grand Prix.

AERO4 has been converted to run on an Isuzu diesel engine. The huge cabin space makes working a breeze. You can almost stand up inside.

**OTEP** · April 25th, 2007 09:25 AM

This is AERO7, a 2004 Nissan Urvan. Also an Advanced Life Support unit. Mostly used during event standbys and for tarmac pick ups of airlifted patients. AERO7 is also prefered for high speed work because the narrow width of the Urvan allows it to squeeze into tight spaces in traffic that would otherwise hold up the Trauma Vans or the MMC Grandia.

**IIE** · April 25th, 2007 09:26 AM

nice ambulance.... really helps a lot pala....

**OTEP** · April 25th, 2007 09:33 AM

Of course, what would AeroMed be without the 'Aero' part. I don't know much about airplanes but this is our fixed-wing air ambulance [there's also a chopper on standby].

Manila to Naga in 40 minutes. Comprehensive medical equipment on board.

AeroMed can also transport patients via commercial flights (e.g. via PAL).

**niky** · April 25th, 2007 11:44 AM

Isn't there a narrower version of the Grandia (commuter) that you can use for high speed work? IMHO, the engine in the Grandia is better built for it (and it's a torquey motherhugger).

Nice job, Doc! Heard that ambulance work pays well... or is it volunteer/part-time duty for you?

**CVT** · April 25th, 2007 12:20 PM

Thank you for these interesting information.

2501:showoff:

**OTEP** · April 25th, 2007 07:02 PM

Isn't there a narrower version of the Grandia (commuter) that you can use for high speed work?

Yep, but they weren't available during the time Aeromed was adding to its fleet.

The widebody is used in Makati since there isn't really much high speed running going on and the extra space is really a godsend.

Nice job, Doc! Heard that ambulance work pays well... or is it volunteer/part-time duty for you?

Pay is about industry average but, hey, it's not a job - it's an adventure!

It's like living out my childhood fantasies. I don't think I can grow old in this kind of field so might as well have a stab at it while I'm still young.

Yep, I'm part-time. I mostly do motorsports events (e.g. BRC drag racing) and out of town patient transport including airlifts.