We don’t get to talk about ambulances and patient transport vehicles (PTVs) that much on Top Gear Philippines. Then again, maybe we should give more attention to these hardworking vehicles. After all, the jobs that these vehicles do are extremely vital in emergencies.
That brings us neatly to the Toyota Hiace and Toyota Lite Ace. Lately, Toyota Motor Philippines has been putting the spotlight on these two vans, particularly their respective emergency response vehicle packages. For the Hiace, it’s the ambulance package while the Lite Ace gets the PTV treatment.
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The Lite Ace PTV is primarily for transferring patients from one medical facility to another, usually catering to non-urgent care. That said, these can also be used as interim ambulance should the need arise. With that, this model is equipped with two bench seats at the back for medical personnel. It also comes with a special floor that allows the stretcher to be locked in place. Of course, a radio is standard, along with a lightbar and siren.
Moving to the Hiace Ambulance, it’s based on the flatnose Commuter Cargo variant of the van. It can provide what’s called Basic Life Support services with the equipment fitted to it. The Hiace Ambulance comes with larger cabinets and more storage spaces, along with placeholders of IV drips and oxygen tanks. Also part of the package is a stretcher, additional seats for medical personnel, a light bar, and a siren with PA system.
Granted, we doubt anyone from the general public will but either of these. But for those who run hospitals and municipalities, you might be interested in the prices. The Toyota Lite Ace PTV starts at P945,000, while the Hiace Ambulance retails for P1,499,000. Those prices include the equipment needed for the medical services that these vans will provide.
