A TRIO of rapid response vehicles have been unveiled by the Midlands Air Ambulance charity to support the lifesaving organisation’s operations across the region.
As the charity covers the largest air ambulance operating area in England, the expert aircrew need the best vehicles to swiftly reach, and subsequently treat those in critical need of pre-hospital care.
With assistance from the its corporate partners, M6toll, the charity took delivery of a fleet of three BMW X5 rapid response vehicles, RRVs, to complement air operations.
The three Authority specification BMW X5 vehicles are situated at the organisation’s three airbases – RAF Cosford in Shropshire, Tatenhill airfield in Staffordshire and Strensham Services on the M5 in Worcestershire.
Already in action, the new cars are deployed if a helicopter is grounded, for example during the hours of darkness or a period of particularly bad weather.
On average five per cent of incidents Midlands Air Ambulance attends are via the RRVs enabling the aircrew to continue to offer early medical intervention and save lives when the aircraft is not an option.
Becky Steele, air operations manager for the Midlands Air Ambulance charity, said:
“The X5 is a tried and tested rapid response vehicle for the emergency services.
“Its large interior is perfect for a bespoke medical equipment fit out, while the model’s advanced capability means it is a reliable asset, ensuring our clinicians tend to incidents swiftly and safely.”
Duplicating the medical kit on the helicopters, the BMWs are ready for action at a moment’s notice. Each RRV carries a range of kit including; two response bags, a Zoll cardiac monitor, suction and ventilation equipment, leg splints, oxygen, burns packs, scene lighting and a safe for storing drugs in transit.
The charity’s new RRVs were part-funded by corporate partner, M6toll and through grants.
Among those to show their support for the fund-raising were the West Midlands Ambulance Service, BMW Group, Carnation Designs, Design, Woodway Engineering, Wilker Vehicle Conversions, VUE CCTV, Mansfield Group, Body Repair Centre and Tarrafix.
