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1972: Collins 1st Type-II "Crusader" Ambulance
1972: Collins 1st Type-II "Crusader" Ambulance
Cross Posted: Ambulances; Timeline
Submitter/Author: Paul Holzapfel / Margie Barrons-(Collins Industries)
1970's Collins "Crusader" Type-II Van Ambulance
"Collins developed its first van-type ambulance in 1972 which was called the "Crusader" and was built on a conventional Ford van chassis. Collins Industries, Inc. was the parent company of Collins Ambulance and later purchased Wheeled Coach.
In the mid-70's the Crusader 2.5 reflected significant improvements and was built on an extended Ford van chassis and featured a larger interior patient care area, piped-in oxygen and suction, safety engineered all-steel roof among a myriad of other enhancements. The front facing lightbar was external from the raised roof surface. This ambulance was choosen by the New Orleans Police Department-Emergency Services Section (ESS) for its main fleet of EMS ambulances that it operated during the late 70's before the city-wide service was assumed by the New Orleans Health Department.
In the latter 70's, the third generation "Crusader" Type-II van ambulance represented complete aerodynamic styling and even greater enhancements to the patient care area and external lighting features.
Special thanks to Margie Barron, Marketing Manager for Collins Industries, Inc and to Scott Cravens, Publisher,
Keywords: ambulance, Collins, Crusader
Last Revision Date: 9/5/08 - 8:48 AM