Boost for patients as new vehicles support volunteer military co-responder teams

The three new emergency vehicles, based at RAF Marham, RAF Wyton and St George's Barracks in North Luffenham, took to the road earlier this month.

The vehicles they are replacing will continue to be in frontline use by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), helping to support emergency cover across the region.

Military co-responders are members of the Armed Forces who volunteer to respond to certain medical emergencies, in addition to their day-to-day military duties. They are trained by and work alongside EEAST to respond to 999 calls and provide rapid medical support and early intervention before ambulance crews arrive.

These modern vehicles, each fitted with blue lights, and carrying life-saving equipment, will enhance the resilience of the military co-responder teams, so they can continue responding to 999 calls as quickly as possible.

EEAST has funded the new vehicles, with the car at St George's Barracks part-funded by a donation from them to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity. Ongoing costs for all the cars will be covered by EEAST.

In the last 12 months, military co-responders across EEAST have volunteered over 5,100 hours and helped over 2,300 patients. They arrived first on scene at 89% of emergencies attended, and with the support of clinicians in EEAST control rooms, they helped over 400 patients without the need for an ambulance to be dispatched – freeing them up to attend the most serious 999 calls.

Tom Barker, Head of Co-Response at EEAST, said: "These new vehicles are a fantastic addition to our service and a huge boost for our military co-responder teams. Their dedication and professionalism make a real difference to patients every day, and having a reliable, sustainable and fully equipped fleet means they can continue delivering the highest standard of care. EEAST is proud to support the teams expansion and onward develop as they play a vital role in our response to patients across the region."

EEAST currently has military co-responder teams at RAF Henlow, RAF Honington, RAF Marham, RAF Wyton and St George's Barracks.

Photo caption: Military co-responders with EEAST's Armed Forces Champion Terry Hicks (centre) at Peterborough ambulance station.