Ambulance Photos

Similar ambulances were still in service in 2002 (albeit some two years younger), with the then North-East A.S. I managed to get one in Berwick.

I'm surprised at the use of the green/white chequered stripe - I thought that was reserved for control units.

Added by Roger Greenaway on 14 February 2010.

The Green/White chequered stripe appeared to have been part of the livery in the 90's Rodger. I seem to remember it being applied to most Northumbria vehicles at the time.

Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK. on 14 February 2010.

Interesting photo, Chris. I'm a bit surprised to see an American modular ambulance -- both chassis/cab and rear box, right out of the US factory -- in the UK. Were there a lot of these there at the time? The warning lights are standard US, except they're blue. But for that and the right-hand-drive, the vehicle would be right at home over here.
(Small correction: the front badge indicates it's a Chevrolet, not a GMC. They're really the same under the skin anyway -- we call it "badge engineering.")

Added by Michael Feldman on 15 February 2010.

picture #1784 provides a good comparison -- significantly newer Chevy, from Rome, Georgia, but same basic modular design, side warning lights, etc.

Added by Michael Feldman on 15 February 2010.

That is the prototype Northumbria Wheeled Coach Chevrolet G35 and it was based at Wallsend from new. It was a Renault J999NAS that caused the controversy. When the ambulances were sold the plate was retained and sold separately. The controversy about the Chevs was that they were too high to fit in many of the existing stations causing alterations to be undertaken to the electric doors and ceilings. I know I drove plenty of them.

Added by Ronald Henderson on 15 July 2010.

These vehicles are now used non BBC prank patrol.

Added by Damion Krska on 17 April 2011.

Why were they using American vehicles?

Added by Ross on 30 December 2011.

It was something to do with crew safety, after a tragic accident. British ambulances at the time had GRP bodywork, including the cab. The US ambulances had an all steel cab, and could be aquired due to the DHSS specification being relaxed. They also had more power, which was sometimes vital in rural areas.

Added by Roger Greenaway on 31 December 2011.

The accident in question involved a Renault T35 steel bodied van conversion colliding with a stationary lorry and resulting in the demise of the attendant. Chief Laurie Caple said he would never put his crews and patients at risk again and so ordered the Chevrolets.

Added by Ron Henderson on 02 January 2012.

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