1972: COLLINS 1ST TYPE-II “CRUSADER” AMBULANCE

1970’s Collins “Crusader” Type-II Van Ambulance

Collins developed its first van-type ambulance in 1972, which was called the “Crusader.” It 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-1970s the Crusader 2.5 reflected significant improvements, and was built on an extended Ford van chassis that featured a larger interior patient care area, and piped-in oxygen and suction, as well as 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 chosen by the New Orleans Police Department Emergency Services Section (ESS) for its main fleet of EMS ambulances that it operated during the late 1970s before the city-wide service was assumed by the New Orleans Health Department.

In the later 1970s, 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, EMS Magazine & EMS Product News for the images and historical account.

Submitted to NEMSM September 2008 by Paul Holzapfel / Margie Barrons-(Collins Industries)