Ambulance trust activates digital alert system in Europe-wide first
They'll warn drivers of when emergency vehicles are approaching
From today (Monday 9th), digital alert systems will be used in ambulances across the South East to alert road users to when emergency vehicles are coming.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb), which serves Sussex, Surrey, Kent and parts of Hampshire, has said it is the first service in Europe to fit the devices to its vehicles.
Called Safety Cloud, it enables real-time alerting between emergency and other vehicles, with the aim of improving road safety.
Alerts are delivered to drivers today through leading navigation apps including Waze and Apple Maps.
Soon, alerts will also become available through new compatible vehicles as they come to the market.
Drivers can receive the alerts, potentially in advance of seeing or hearing a vehicle’s blue lights and sirens.
As well as improving road safety, the system is also expected to reduce the cost and time associated with repairing damaged vehicles.
It is also hoped the alerts will enable ambulances to progress more smoothly through traffic, potentially reducing operational response times and the Trust’s carbon footprint.
SECAmb Fleet Services Manager, Rob Martin said:
"We are pleased to be trialling this technology in our response vehicles.
"The alerts, in addition to traditional lights and sirens, will mean motorists able to use the system will be aware of our presence sooner.
"This extra time not only creates a safer experience for motorists but also our operational crews and patients across the south east."