Welsh government announces investment in greener ambulances and response vehicles
The Welsh government has announced a major new investment in a ‘faster, greener more reliable’ fleet of emergency vehicles, with upgraded tech.
Photo by camilo jimenez / Unsplash
The £23.1m funding, which comes as part of an ongoing programme to modernise Welsh Ambulance Service, will pay for 160 vehicles for the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust, 50 new emergency ambulances, 40 single responder vehicles, 67 Non-Emergency Patient Transport Vehicles, and three specialist Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles.
These replacement vehicles will meet the latest emissions standards, in line with the Welsh government’s wider commitment to cleaner air and lower carbon emissions.
At the same time, the Welsh Ambulance Service continues to expand its electric vehicle charging network and has introduced solar panels, hybrid engines and battery electric vehicles across parts of its fleet.
As we’ve reported, the service has been trialling defibrillator drones to reach people in more rural parts of Wales. Other technological innovations include using video consultations to assess patients remotely, and exploring the use of AI to support 999 call handlers. The aim of all this tech is to ensure people receive faster, smarter care.
Chris Turley, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resource for the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust, says: ‘This continued investment in our fleet means we can provide a more reliable service for the people of Wales. Modern ambulances are more dependable, better equipped to support patient care and provide a safer, more comfortable working environment for our staff.
‘As the national ambulance service, covering 8,000 square miles, we’re also proud to be playing our part in reducing our environmental footprint. From electric vehicles to solar panels, we’re committed to building a greener fleet for the future.’
Jeremy Miles MS, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, adds: ‘When someone dials 999, they need to know that help is on the way. This investment ensures our ambulance service has the modern, reliable fleet it needs to be there for people across Wales. We’re also making progress on our environmental commitments, with cleaner, greener vehicles helping to reduce carbon emissions while delivering the high-quality emergency care people expect.’
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