Lateral launches the OmniWAV Multi-Role Transfer Vehicle for highly versatile and cost effective patient transportation

Positioned between an array of imposing four-tonne ambulances and towering fire machines at this November’s Emergency Services Show, generating interest much greater than it’s relatively diminutive size, was Lateral Design Concepts’ exciting new answer to ambulance operators’ needs for a lighter, greener, more efficient way of delivering patient transportation.

OmniWAV is a compact but all-encompassing transfer solution, capable of tackling a wide range of ambulance applications, offering accommodation for the three core patient/attendant-bearing devices – seats, wheelchairs and/or a stretcher – whilst precisely incorporating these in to a smaller, more economical unit than traditional PTS ambulances.

Thanks to the wide range of transport configuration ‘modes’ offered by its cleverly packaged interior, OmniWAV provides new levels of multi-role capability from cheaper to run, easier to manoeuvre base vehicles.

The Yorkshire -based company’s Business Development Manager, Richard Yates, comments: “Whilst highly recognised amongst UK and European distributors in Mobility markets as the leading manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), Lateral has more quietly grown to also become one of the key suppliers to the ambulance industry. This has largely been due to the manner in which our patented Wedge Cassette Ramp (WCR), Integra, Omniramp and Hydra-kneel lowering suspension products have historically been distributed through a small number of converters.

“Since 2001 Lateral have produced more than 3,000 Wedges, 2,000 Doblo WAV kits, 1,200 in-house Sedona conversions, and around 200 lowering suspension systems. Many thousands more Lateral WAV kits for a wide range of vehicles have also been dispatched around the UK, Europe and East Asia. We have an established aftersales service with national mobile fleet engineers, and the ability to rapidly dispatch ‘Loan-bank’ Wedge cassettes to ambulance bases across the UK within 24-hours of requirement.

“Through numerous discussions with ambulance operators, and with particular reference to patient choice, journey times, congestion zone charging, driver licencing issues, environmental responsibility, and the holistic necessity to reduce operating costs in times of increasing fuel prices and road taxation, the demand for an alternative to 3.5 tonne vehicles for passenger movement became increasingly apparent.

“All too often larger, more expensive conventional PTS vehicles can be seen with only one or two passengers aboard, unable to make use of their greater size due to journey time restrictions. OmniWAV harnesses Lateral’s precision engineering excellence from both of our WAV and ‘ax-s’ ambulance access product lines, to produce a compact, affordable conversion with unique versatility. Our customers repeatedly tell us this vehicle really is the future for PTS.”

Built upon the shared Citroen Dispatch/Peugeot Expert/Fiat Scudo ‘Maxi L2H2’ platform, OmniWAV’s adaptable interior can be configured to carry a driver plus five seated passengers, two wheelchairs, or a stretcher with attendants. Numerous roles identified for the vehicle, developed with valuable input from Nottinghamshire –based private ambulance service First4Care, include renal, outpatient discharge and repatriation. Clients have also sighted the vehicle as having potential for replacement of RRVs, standard size HDUs, and even as the basis for single clinician ‘Tier’ vehicles.

Lateral’s demonstration vehicle, as exhibited at Stoneleigh, is fitted with an array of state of the art electrical systems. Carnation GENISYS controls ambulance functions via illuminated keypads to the cab and saloon. Vehicle power supply is maintained by an auxiliary battery with split charging, the saloon offering 12V and 230V inverter supplies. Exterior warning equipment by Woodway includes low consumption, latest generation LED lighting and an oil-cooled siren driver.

Notably, in harmonisation with the ‘green’ efficiency and cost saving credentials of the OmniWAV concept, the vehicle is fitted with Ortus Technology’s ‘Datapoint’ telemetric system, which gives operators unique ability to monitor and view how the vehicle is being utilised. This highly accurate system (50cm worldwide), designed specifically for the Emergency Services, offers a level of information and control never seen before. Base vehicle information (via CAN), role equipment, vehicle usage and driver profiles are all available to be viewed ‘live’ using the system’s web -based software, or by accessing a wide range of easily interpreted data reports. Information may be communicated to users quickly by email or even SMS.

As one would expect of a modern vehicle built for medical applications, OmniWAV has a fully wipe-clean interior with GRP linings, vinyl flooring, and passenger and driver seats upholstered in anti-bacterial upholstery.

Fitted with the latest equipment from Lateral’s ax-s product line, OmniWAV features the company’s all-new manual fold-up side step. Using simple, well-resolved mechanics, and requiring no electrics, the lightweight step automatically deploys with the action of opening and closing the side sliding-door.

For ease of stretcher and wheelchair loading, an ax-s Winch-Assist is installed. This device, available with wheelchair and stretcher SWLs, incorporates a clutch system for rapid deployment.

Alongside OmniWAV and one of the company’s Type Approved New Doblo WAVs, Lateral also unveiled the next generation ‘MKII’ Ducato/Boxer/Relay Wedge Cassette Ramp. MKII features an encapsulated, quickly removable drive module, which seals critical mechanics away from possible sources of water ingress related to crash damaged shells. MKII Wedges also benefit from hard foam filled shells and impact absorbing ‘nudge bars’.

Demand for OmniWAV exceeded even Lateral’s expectations, and so following E.S.S the new vehicle will be touring the U.K. for ambulance operators to trial and specify to their individual requirements.

For more information
Tel: 01535 662244
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www.lateraldc.co.uk