Fiat announces donation of two Ducato ambulances to FCA-supported field hospitals in MG and PE

RIO DE JANEIRO (RJ), April 3, 2020 - In yet another night of emotions on Big Brother Brazil, Fiat has announced yet another solidary action in support of efforts in combating the spread of Covid-19 nationwide. Two Ducatos adapted as ambulances will be donated to support the field hospitals installed with the support of Fiat Chrysler Automóveis (FCA) in the cities of Betim (Minas Gerais state) and Goiana (Pernambuco state).

The vehicles will support the transit of patients to the Covid-19 field hospitals, which are in an advanced stage of installation in the municipalities where FCA has automotive plants in Brazil.

“Fiat is a brand intimately connected with Brazil and with the Brazilians. At a time like this, when solidarity and joint efforts are so important, we take great pride in also giving our contribution”, says Herlander Zola, Commercial Director and Head of the Brand Fiat for Latin America. “We announced our donation at BBB to convey to the public the message that we must stay united in fighting the coronavirus. This is the greatest challenge of our generation, and we can all contribute in some way to overcome it. ”

The two Ducatos to be donated by Fiat are adapted for simple and elective removals, aimed primarily at transporting patients who are not at life risk.

The ambulances are equipped with air conditioning, side protection, roof and floor adapted for quick and easy cleaning, retractable stretcher, paramedic and companion seat with three stations, supports for oxygen cylinder and plasma serum, upper cabinet, internal lighting and windows on the side door and rear doors. Outside, they have an acoustic siren, LED signal and ventilation system.

The 130hp 2.3 Multijet engine is designed to deliver maximum performance, economy and power, coupled with low maintenance cost and less noise. The Fiat Ducato Ambulance also has 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS for a safer driving experience.

COVID-19 FIELD HOSPITALS

FCA is supporting the setup of a fully equipped field hospital for cases of Covid-19 in the municipality of Goiana and surroundings, in the Zona da Mata Norte of Pernambuco. The building, constructed by FCA for the installation of a Pernambuco Specialized Care Unit (UPAE), is in the process of being adapted to house 100 beds, three of which in “red room” (to house more serious cases, which require stabilization until the displacement to one ICU) and another 97 for treatment. In addition to the beds, ten offices and a screening room are also being prepared for serving the population.

The schedule foresees the conclusion of the works in the second half of April. The equipped medical center will be handed over to the Government of the State of Pernambuco, which will be in charge of its operation and maintenance. After overcoming the Covid-19 crisis, the hospital will continue to serve the population, under public operation, functioning as an UPAE.

In Minas Gerais, FCA assigned an area of ​​approximately 1,500 sqm located inside Fiat Clube (FCA's recreational and sports space located in Betim) to the Municipality of Betim and the Government of the State of Minas Gerais to house a field hospital for reception, screening, diagnosis and hospitalization of Covid-19 patients. The space will account for more than a third of the vacancies created in the municipality to serve the new cases resulting from the pandemic.

The field hospital will be the gateway to the municipal health system for suspect cases of coronavirus infection.

The works to adapt the Fiat Clube began on March 27 and the field hospital is scheduled to start operations next week.

COORDINATED AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY STRATEGY

FCA's integrated program to support the fight against Covid-19 in Brazil is based on three main pillars:

· Contributions for the installation of field hospitals in Betim (MG) and Goiana (PE);

· Use of the company's expertise and resources to produce and offer highly strategic hospital items at this time;

· Donations and leasing of various resources and materials to support Health professionals.

More information about the program developed by FCA can be found here.