A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been specially adapted in order to create a unique and innovative search and rescue vehicle. The vehicle has been converted on behalf of Cheshire Search and Rescue and it is thought that the new addition to their fleet will improve their emergency services support activities that are carried out by the organisation throughout Cheshire.

The vehicle has been modified by Cartwright Conversions and is now a 4 wheel drive converted vehicle to be used by the Search and Rescue team. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that was the origin of this modification was a high roofed and long-wheel based vehicle that has now been adapted to feature a number of new facilities making it suitable of off road travel. The Sprinter was chosen by the client as the basis of the modifications, as the Mercedes vehicle is known for its versatility, maneuverability and off road capabilities. The other modifications took 12 months to design, plan and carry out in order to make sure that the adaptations were carried out to the highest standard.

The vehicle can travel across some of the toughest terrain and deal with travelling in adverse weather conditions during both the night and the day. The new Search and Rescue vehicle for Cheshire can also be used as a mobile work unit and control hub. This means that the volunteer workers using the vehicle can be in close proximity and contact with the emergency services as well as the families of missing persons. Another feature Cartwright has installed in the vehicle is the 360° swivel driver and front passenger seat, that move to turn the vehicle into a work unit. In the rear of the vehicle there is a table and bench as well as a large area that can be used as storage, two work stations and a stretcher . There has been a satellite dish fitted to the roof of the vehicle and wi-fi connectivity. Their modified Mercedes-Benz Sprinter also has a large internally mounted monitor installed that allows the volunteers working at the vehicle constant communication throughout an operation.

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