EHAAT’s fleet of rapid response vehicles now fully hybrid

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) has completed its move to a totally hybrid fleet of rapid response vehicles (RRVs) by purchasing a further two Volvo XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid SUVs.

The two new cars join the existing fleet purchased by the charity in February 2022, when it became the first air ambulance in the UK to use Volvo plug-in hybrids as part of an emergency response fleet.

The vehicles have been adapted ready for life as an RRV, including wrapping in EHAAT’s reflective branding and featuring the latest blue light system for visibility and safety.

The RRVs are crewed by a pre-hospital care doctor and a critical care paramedic and carry the same lifesaving equipment as the helicopters. They are used once the aircraft shift is completed, or when the helicopter is unable to fly because of poor weather or maintenance.

With quick and easy access to the new charging points that have been installed, the hybrid RRVs will now take up residence at EHAAT’s airbases at North Weald and Earls Colne, where they will serve the communities of Essex and Hertfordshire, providing advanced lifesaving pre-hospital care directly to the side of patients with a sudden life-threatening injury or medical emergency.

Scott McIlwaine, Head of Aviation and Operations at EHAAT, said: “EHAAT’s decision to continue with the Volvo XC90s was based on how they have continually proven themselves as high-performing, reliable and safe vehicles.”

He added: “Since integrating them into our fleet in 2018, a number of air ambulance trusts and ambulance services have approached us to enquire about the Volvos and have since followed suit.”