WEST Midlands Ambulance Service is highlighting its sustainable diesel ambulance fleet which is ‘the youngest and lightest in the country’.
The trust says it is committed to investing in its fleet to reduce emissions year-on-year to achieve net zero by 2040.
Fleet head Tony Page said: “As an ambulance service, our fleet-driven emissions account for a significant percentage of our total CO2 output – increasing mileage year-on-year because of demand further exasperates that issue.
“Meeting the targets set is one benefit, but it’s also the right thing to do for delivering cleaner operating vehicles for our staff to work in.”
Alongside the service’s work to produce the next generation of zero emission ambulances, it also continues to develop their diesel counterparts.
Working with industry specialists, the trust’s ambulances are based on the Fiat Ducato van and are designed and manufactured to be the lightest and most technologically advanced in service anywhere in the world.
Tony added: “With a fleet of 480 frontline ambulances, we’re immensely proud that they’re all less than five-years-old and the lightest weight in the country.
The latest generation frontline emergency ambulance delivered further weight savings and our fleet modernisation programme continually works to further reduce our impact on the environment by lowering our CO2 levels. The light-weighting programme over the last three years has reduced our CO2 emissions by 3500 tons.
“Along with our staff, our emergency vehicles are our most important assets. The five-year replacement policy means our staff are able to respond in a modern, high quality, ambulance fleet that is reliable and efficient and as comfortable as possible for patients and staff whilst also ensuring that patients, and our staff, receive the highest standards of safety.”
