Rise of the rapid response vehicle

  • Central
Ambulance responds to an emergency call. Credit: ITV News Central

In 1946, the ambulance service was told it needed to improve and provide more treatment on the scene.

Prior to this, the small trucks used by the service had simply been there to provide transport to a local hospital.

But over the last 30 years, the vehicles have evolved to be equipped with the very latest technology:

Today, East Midlands Ambulance service deals with an emergency call every 42 seconds.

So it's no wonder that paramedics like Laurence need to be able to treat patients on the road and have access to a wide range of equipment.

The rise of the rapid response vehicle, has meant patients can be treated on the move and paramedics can be on the scene quicker.

Ambulance service vehicles today:

Ambulance Service Cycle Response Unit. Credit: Steve Parsons / PA Images
Modern day ambulance waiting outside A&E. Credit: Rui Vieira/ PA Images