Reaching the unreachable in the H9

“The Haval H9 is the perfect rescue vehicle,” says Fabian Martens, managing member of OSH-Med International after recently adding the H9 to their rescue fleet. Martens told Top Revs the H9 makes their emergency work of reaching and transporting those in need of medical care easier, especially in hard-to-navigate rural areas and informal settlements.Conventional ambulances sometimes experience problems traversing the tight spaces and narrow roads often found in the informal settlements, which the H9 does with ease. “It's the perfect medical rescue vehicle as there are some places an ambulance cannot drive and as they are not 4×4 or not fitted with the required suspensions.” Marten says. But what about when a patient needs to be moved from a scene on a stretcher? Even here, the H9 is more than efficient due to the easily adjustable seating configuration that can be lowered to create enough space for both the patient and a paramedic, Martens says. The H9's speed and terrain handling get full marks from Martens, as it is able to drive to any space. It is also equipped with several safety and driver assistance features like the electronic stability programme (ESP), which enhances handling when encountering heavy traffic in tight spaces. With 180kW at 5 500rpm, the H9 delivers more than enough power from the 2.0L turbocharged engine to get a patient to the nearest health facility as soon as possible. Combined with a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and an all terrain system that can drive in mud, snow or typical Namibian road conditions, the H9 can get you in and out of almost anywhere.Since the suspension plays a big role in conquering various terrains, Martens said the soft drive over uneven terrain makes the H9 ideal for transporting patients with spinal injuries, who require comfort and stability during the evacuation process. As an extra safety component, the H9 is equipped with airbags all round to safeguard both driver and passengers. The key-less entry and start/stop button is convenient in situations when the paramedics must get in and out quickly. The H9 is also fitted with a 12V power outlet that can be used to power or even charge some vital medical equipment, either on the way to a patient or a health facility. Martens called on all motorists to make way for emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens on, as they are responding to medical emergencies and every second is vital, however, he did note that this does not give emergency services vehicles the right to drive in a way that might endanger other road users or their property.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.