Ashley Williams, the General Manager of Mechem, says the ambulances are fully equipped to treat any emergency and operational casualties. The vehicles can each accommodate four stretchers and two sitting patients plus two medics.

The new wide-bodied design is a significant improvement on previous versions which could only carry two lying and one sitting patient. It is based on the new generation Casspir NG 2000 which has a more powerful engine and use better quality steel for protection. The ambulance, which is on display at the Denel stand at the 2014 Africa Defence and Aerospace Exhibition in Tshwane, can withstand a blast of 21kg TNT under a wheel and a 14kg blast under the hull.

Mr Williams says the ambulance is an important addition to the Casspir family of vehicles which also includes infantry, cargo, command-and-control and recovery variants.

The advantage to users is that it shares the same drivetrains which simplifies maintenance and repair and, thus, reduces operational costs. Specialised versions can also be manufactured to meet the requirements of customers.