There may be a recession throughout Europe, but it seems that Germans at least are not starving. Latest news from Allison is that it has equipped two new ambulances for the Essen nunicipal fire service which have been specially designed to carry obese patients. The Mercedes-Benz Vario 818Ds feature stretchers with a capacity of 750kg, whereas regular units can only carry patients up to 170kg, which apparently isn't enough. 250kg patients are "not out of the ordinary".

The ambulances can be converted within 15 minutes to provide intensive care transport for normal patients.