The vehicles are a direct response to a specific fundraising appeal in 2022 to replace two previous vehicles, which had reached the end of their lifespan. We had also outgrown the vehicles terms of capacity and the amount of equipment the crew now carry to the scene of medical emergencies across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

In 2022-23, 42% of EAAA taskings were by road. The RRVs are sometimes the best option to reach patients in the quickest time. For example, in the more built-up areas of the region where helicopters cannot easily land.

Your response to the appeal was overwhelmingly positive, with EAAA’s supporters raising over £150k. An incredibly generous major gift funded approximately half of the amount needed for one of the new vehicles, which are All Wheel Drive Authorities Spec Volvo XC90.

The two vehicles will operate out of the EAAA Norwich and Cambridge bases and carry same high standard of medical monitoring and assessment equipment as the helicopter.

Gary Steward, EAAA Operations Manager says: “Ever mindful of the generosity and trust of EAAA supporters, we ensured value for money while providing resilience for the future to deliver our 24/7 life-saving service. There were plenty of factors we considered when trialling and purchasing the new vehicles, which included performance, reliability, safety, capacity, resilience, and futureproofing.”

In total, EAAA was tasked by air and road to over 2,800 missions last year, with over 1,900 people needed EAAA’s life-saving care. We receive no regular government funding, relying almost entirely on public support.

Gary adds: “We are grateful for the incredible support which enabled us to upgrade our previous vehicles so our teams can continue to provide 24/7 life-saving critical care across our region.”