A NEW state-of-the-art ambulance goes on the roads of Bolton this week - specially designed by the front-line crews who will use it. The design, exclusive to Greater Manchester Ambulance Service, was drawn up after four people from the service told vehicle engineers exactly how they wanted the ambulance to look and what they wanted in it. It is aimed at making work easier for the crews and to try and reduce response times.

Robin Mayor, Steve Lawley, Mark Hargreaves and Peter Edge from GMAS worked alongside engineers in Cambridge who presented them with an empty van and asked them to design the interior themselves.

Paramedic Supervisor for Bolton North, Robin Mayor, was one of the four who had a major input into the final design.

He told the BEN: "This really is state-of-the-art stuff and as we designed it, it is how the crews think an ambulance should be and will make our job easier and more efficient. It takes minimum handling, there is more space and we are less likely to suffer back injuries because of the position of the stretchers. The cabins have more space which will make it better when we are out on active stand-bys."

The ambulance is also equipped with a 'white noise' siren instead of the usual 'yelp and wail', which makes it easier for drivers and pedestrians to hear and is also quieter for patients on board.

It is also thought to be the first ambulance with a special photophobic light on board, which helps patients who have a reaction to bright lights.

Robin added: "Now this ambulance is on the road, it should mean a great improvement for us." The vehicle also has the new Battenburg livery featuring a chequered design, which is in line with European safety standards and will be eventually adopted by all emergency services.

Improved

There is currently only one in the service, but as vehicles need to be replaced, ambulance chiefs hope to use the new and improved design.

GMAS currently has over 100 emergency vehicles with at least 81 in use at any one time.

Steve Lawley, General Manager of the fleet, said: "This is a good example of how staff can influence the purchasing decisions of the service. We welcome and encourage feedback from staff and liaise closely with the working groups to ensure staff have the best vehicle and equipment available and that the patient receives an excellent standard of care."

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