Norfolk welcomes new ‘see and treat’ vehicle

A new model of vehicle to remove the need for taking patients to hospital is being trialled in Norfolk.

The Mercedes Benz Vito Paramedic Practitioner car was developed to support our evolving model of urgent and emergency care. It’s equipped to enable practitioners to provide on-scene assessment of a range of medical conditions and injuries, to ‘see and treat’ patients rather than routinely see, treat and convey.

Paul Henry, Head of Operations Support, said: “I am excited to see this new concept of vehicle on trial.

“Over the course of the weeks and months, the team will be able to assess the vehicle and offer feedback to shape future adaptations of vehicles within the Trust.

“A big thank you goes to the Fleet team and clinical engineers who have worked hard to get this new vehicle on the road.”

Terry Hicks, Locality Director for Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, said: “Our team of emergency care practitioners (ECPs) in west Norfolk will begin using this vehicle following a trial period. The Vito will allow patients to be treated for more minor conditions, minor wounds and injuries. It’s a more practical and efficient alternative to a conventional fast response car or the use of a double staffed emergency ambulance that will be assigned to seriously ill or injured people. “

Published 25th August, 2016