Image supply, East Anglian Air Ambulance
The East Anglian Air Ambulance charity has purchased two new Volvo XC90s
- Author, Andy Trigg
- Role, BBC News, East
- The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has purchased two new speedy response vehicles costing £70,000 every
- The Volvo XC90s will change two Land Rovers which the charity says they’ve “outgrown”
- EAAA hopes to have the brand new vehicles totally operational throughout the subsequent three weeks
Two new speedy response vehicles (RRVs) purchased by the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) will assist save extra lives, the charity has stated.
EAAA has taken supply of two £70,000 Volvo XC90s following a big fundraising attraction.
The vehicles, primarily based in Norwich and Cambridge, will change two present Land Rovers, which the charity stated that they had “outgrown” because of carrying extra gear.
EAAA hoped the brand new RRVs can be totally operational throughout the subsequent three weeks.
“With the [Land Rover] Discoveries, not only had we outgrown them, they are about seven years old now and not quite fit for purpose any more,” stated Richard Hindson, EAAA’s director of operations and infrastructure.
Image supply, Chris Taylor Photo
EAAA says it hopes to interchange its two present Volvo RRVs with electrical vehicles in future
So far this 12 months, the charity has been deployed 2,216 times, of which about 40% of name outs concerned its fleet of 4 RRVs.
The vehicles are largely utilized in city areas, near EAAA’s bases in Norwich and Cambridge, the place essential care groups can attain emergencies a lot faster than the charity’s two helicopters. They can even journey in all climate circumstances.
The charity, which covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, initially hoped to have the vehicles totally operational earlier this 12 months however the challenge confronted delays because of provide points.
“It’s amazing how many people chipped in to make it happen,” Mr Hindson added.
“I really hope when they [donors] see the cars they feel a bit of pride.”
The EAAA stated it hoped to interchange its present RRVs with electrical vehicles in future however that the present infrastructure was not but in place.
The two Land Rovers being changed will be used at occasions for engagement and publicity functions.