Kia Motors was proud to supply the primary medical response vehicle to St John Ambulance for last weekend’s British Grand Prix. The Ceed SW with its 1.6 litre CRDi engine and nimble chassis proved the natural choice for the role.
St John Ambulance provided medical cover for the Grand Prix from 0900 hours on Wednesday 2nd July until 1600 hours on Monday 7th July, 24 hours a day. In total there will be 22 ambulances, eight First Aid Posts, four cycle responders, one doctor, three paramedics and 120 First Aid personnel on duty each day, with St John providing support for the on-site hospital which opened throughout the race meeting.
The SW Medical Car was crewed by a doctor and paramedic for the whole weekend, providing vital emergency medical facilities wherever needed in the circuit or, due to the local traffic restrictions, to the nearby villages.
David Garratt, Commissioner Operations Northamptonshire St John Ambulance, said: ‘The Ceed SW Medical Car is perfect for the job. Minutes matter and getting to the scene of an incident as safely and swiftly as possible should be no problem in the SW.’
Paul Philpott, Managing Director Kia Motors (UK) Limited, said; ‘We’re very proud to be supporting St John Ambulance. They do a fantastic job wherever they are and it is one of the great institutions of the UK. We’re pleased that the European-designed and built SW can provide such practical back-up to a vital service.’
The SW Medical Car was modified to provide a swifter response. Primarily designed as a circuit car, the SW has undergone only a small number of modifications to meet the needs of fast response duties.
The suspension system was upgraded using uprated Eibach lowering springs, Pro Ceed SPORT dampers and an upgraded rear anti-roll bar. The engine was upgraded using a K&N air filter and modified ECU, taking power from 113 bhp to 142 bhp and adding 37 lb/ft of torque, taking it up to 225 lb/ft.
Extra grip supplied by black 8 x 18-inch wheels, from Team Dynamics, which are wrapped in low profile 205/40 Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. A state-of-the-art blue and white LED digital lighting system from Vision Alert was fitted throughout the car, along with a full emergency siren and PA system. The system is fully flexible and pushing one button can activate the whole system for a swift set-off.
Bespoke graphics, which meet with complex Motor Sport Association regulations, complete the look.
The SW Medical Car will continue to be ‘on duty’ as a track use Medical Response Unit at circuits and events around the UK, including high profile events at Castle Combe and Silverstone.
For more information on the Ceed SW or any of the Kia Range call Darlington on freephone 0800 980 4532 or Kia York on 0800 072 0762.