Faults reported with ambulance service rapid response cars

The trust has confirmed 38 of its rapid response vehicles (RRVs), which represents around 50% of the operational RRV fleet, have been affected by a potential fault. 

On Thursday, an East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) spokesperson said the fault affected the siren and blue light systems in the cars under certain conditions.

They continued: "A fault has now been identified which can be fixed with a software patch.

"Additional temporary blue lights are also being fitted for additional assurance."

The spokesperson added that 12 of the vehicles had the patch applied to them and were returning to service, with the remaining ones expected to be completed by Saturday, September 21.

A similar rapid response vehicle (Image: Newsquest)

They added that, since RRVs are not typically used to transport patients, they are using other Trust vehicles to replace those undergoing the repairs.

The issue identified is with the modification of the cars, not the base vehicle. 

It is understood vehicles that have had the patch applied have been successfully tested under blue light conditions by the EEAST Driver Training Unit. 

This news comes after data unveiled by this newspaper last year revealed that, between August 1 and August 31, 2023, 239 breakdowns were recorded by the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST), which at the time had a fleet of 489 dual-staffed ambulances.

A Freedom of Information request found that of these, 212 breakdowns were recorded amongst Fiat model ambulances which were introduced just four years ago as part of a £54million deal, and made up 442 of the trust's vehicles. 

During July 2023, data showed 113 breakdowns were recorded. 

Last year, a trust spokesperson said a replacement programme was underway to replace the ageing vehicles. 

A specialist was also introduced at the trust towards the end of last year to help tackle the fleet issues.