London Ambulance Service (LAS) has received nine brand new ambulances, with more to follow in the coming months. The ambulances, which have been designed in consultation with frontline crews, will be used across London, including Harrow.
More than 400 clinicians submitted ideas and suggestions for the new ambulances after a survey was conducted by LAS. The MAN ambulances, which cost £156,000 each, will replace older vehicles in the fleet and are more accessible, energy-efficient and digitally-enabled.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, the ambulances are also equipped with a Crew Safety System, which includes video cameras, panic buttons and electronic tracking to keep clinicians safe. They will also help LAS comply with the ultra-low emission zone in London and reach its zero-emission goal by 2030.
Rob Macintosh, Head of Fleet at London Ambulance Service, said: “We worked with our ambulance crews to design a vehicle that is safe and reliable for both our patients and our people. They are more accessible and use a powered system to load the stretcher, which will make things easier for our crews. They are also more energy-efficient and digitally enabled for the future.”
A further 11 MAN ambulances and 112 ambulances have been ordered, all of which meet the clean air zone targets in London. The ambulances, which are the first of their kind in England, underwent rigorous evaluation by academics and ambulance experts.
Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles said: “It’s very exciting to see the delivery of the next generation of ambulances – designed by us – which will help us respond to 999 calls across the capital. They are not only better for the environment and will help to alleviate air pollution, but will be safer and more comfortable for our crews and for the patients they care for.”
The new ambulances are expected to make a significant contribution to improving emergency services in London, with the four fully electric ambulances expected to be delivered later this year.
