The magnificent Great Western Air Ambulance Charity now has another string in its bow – the Škoda Kodiaq.
Residents across the region that the GWAA cover – including Bristol, Bath, Northern Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire, can now rest safe in the knowledge that the charities’ mighty Helimed 65 Helicopter is bolstered on the ground by a specially-converted Škoda Kodiaq.
Used for when the critical care team are unable to reach an emergency by helicopter, the specially-converted Škoda Kodiaq SE L TDI will ensure greater coverage by the charity for its first responders.
During 2019, the charity received over 2000 call-outs, of which over 2/3 were responded to by critical care cars rather than the helicopter. With its 4×4 capability and punchy TDi engine, the Kodiaq will be a welcome addition to the fleet.
To meet the needs of the critical care crews, the Kodiaq has undergone extensive modification. The 720l boot has been redesigned to house all of the vital life- saving equipment such as oxygen tanks and ventilators, while the infotainment system has been moved to allow a 999-response screen to be installed.
Read my Review of the Skoda Kodiaq SE L, What’s not to Like?
The finishing touch is a bespoke air ambulance livery and lighting system to ensure the vehicle is clearly identifiable even at the busiest of scenes.
John Wood, Air Operations Officer at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Having reliable, appropriate and fully equipped cars are essential for us to reach and treat patients most effectively. The new ŠKODA 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.”
With Škoda continuing to supply emergency service fleets across the UK, let’s hope these are some Škodas that you never find yourself in the back of.
Kieran Bicknell
Motoring writer
Kieran Bicknell offers his fresh take on car reviews by making the most of his dynamic, yet detailed approach to writing. Having graduated from university with a BA (Hons) in Photography and spending a number of years as a freelance automotive photographer. Kieran is now putting his knowledge and writing skills to use, with the ability to supply both written articles and imagery. Kieran feels at home in anything from small superminis to the latest SUVs, and relishes the opportunity to drive, photograph and write about anything with four wheels.
Recent Reviews
The latest cars, suvs and crossovers reviewed by our experienced journalists.
Škoda Kamiq Monte Carlo SUV, small and sporty
Škoda’s smallest SUV, the Kamiq, would be the right size for many and in Monte Carlo trim; it’s the sportiest in the range Car Reviewed: Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI 150 PS The Monte Carlo is the performance-oriented version of the Kamiq; it adds style and exclusivity to Škoda’s smallest SUV for a small…
Read our review Škoda Kamiq Monte Carlo SUV, small and sporty
Škoda Enyaq iV vRS, smooth operator
Is the need for speed taking a back seat? Car Reviewed: Škoda Enyaq iV vRS They have hit the spot with their moderately priced and well-specced electric cars. The Škoda Enyaq iV vRS coupé is the top-of-the-range vRS sport model.. On the road, the coupe is an exciting, refined, smooth-driving car with 299PS, 0-62mph of…
Škoda Fabia, a pleasure to drive everyday
Despite it all, you have to love the Škoda Fabia Car Model Reviewed: Škoda Fabia SE L 1.0 TSI 110 PS DSG Like all of its predecessors since Methuselah was pottering around in one, the latest, refreshed Fabia still has the outward aesthetic appeal of the cold-water tank in the back of the loft. It…