Two blue light-converted Volvo XC90s have been chosen as ground response cars for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Service (EHAAS).
The service increasingly uses cars as well as helicopters to provide emergency care, particularly in poor weather conditions when it is not possible to fly.
The XC90s were selected after an intensive procurement process, and are modified to Volvo’s Authorities Specification, designed to handle the demands of emergency response at higher speeds.
EHAAS director of operations Cliff Gale said: “Following a rigorous procurement process, the Volvo XC90 was chosen, enabling EHAAS to maximise efficiency in responding to incidents by road.”
EHAAS clinical director Stuart Elms said: “After extensive testing, it was found the Volvo XC90 was most suited for our operation both now and allowing for future changes.
“We were very pleased with the level of help and advice received from Volvo.”
Volvo special vehicles manager Ian Reger said: “We are delighted EHAAS identified the XC90 as the best vehicle to meet its ground response requirements.”
Reger added that recent UK Government figures showing no XC90 occupants had been killed in UK car-to-car crashes since the model launched in 2002 endorsed EHAAS’s decision, and underlined Volvo’s confidence in the XC90 as the safest vehicle on the road.
