Nine new ambulances could be on the way for Northamptonshire

Currently, East Midlands Ambulance Service has 40 ambulances stationed across the county.

By June, the money will allow nine more – at a cost of £135,000 per vehicle – to be in service, each manned by two crew.

The total fleet for Northamptonshire stands at 40 double crewed ambulances, 23 fast response vehicles (containing a single medic), one special falls vehicle and one bariatric support ambulance, specially designed to carry obese patients. Richard Wheeler, East Midlands Ambulance Service director of finance, said: “To improve the age profile of our fleet and support the increase in our frontline workforce, we submitted a business case to the trust development authority in May 2015.

“The authority is considering the request and we await the outcome.”

The new vehicles are part of a five-year investment programme to help improve the age profile and increase the number of vehicles out on the road.

The Fiat Ducatos have been specially reinforced with an upgraded braking system and improved torque to prolong gear box and clutch life.

They also have installed enhanced emergency lighting for both staff and patient safety.