Latest additions to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance fleet

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) has taken delivery of two new Rapid Response Vehicles (RRVs) to enable it to continue to extend its operational hours.

The RRVs – specially adapted Volvo XC90s carrying state-of-the-art life-saving equipment – are operational after sunset until 9pm, and on Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm until 2am.

The vehicles were chosen after consultation with Volvo Special Vehicles. Components such as shock absorbers and brakes were upgraded to ensure they are fit for emergency service work and the interiors were laid out to ensure EHAAT’s Critical Care Teams can carry the equipment they need. Volvo dealer Marshall of Bishop’s Stortford are providing maintenance for the vehicles going forward.

The vehicles join EHAAT’s two Skoda Scouts, meaning it now has four RRVs which are can be used when it is not possible to send a helicopter. Two are based at the Charity’s airbase at Earls Colne and two at North Weald airfield.

Like the helicopters, the RRVs can delivery both a Pre-hospital Care Doctor and a Critical Care Paramedic quickly to the scene, as well as the same life-saving equipment.

EHAAT Operations Director Cliff Gale said: “This enables us to bring an advanced level of clinical care and equipment to the patient when the helicopters are unable to be tasked due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, poor light or unplanned maintenance.”