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The ambulance service is committed to the use of new clean air technology

The ambulance service is committed to the use of new clean air technology

East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has almost 500 ambulances that travel more than 12 million kilometers a year. One way the agency can contribute to cleaner air is to reduce emissions by limiting engine idling.

Today is Clean Air Day (June 20), which outlines the benefits of clean air, including: better mood, better sleep, reduced risk of lung and heart disease, better digestion and higher energy levels.

Since February, the fleet team has been testing an NHSE-approved anti-idling system. ACETECH Eco-Run can shut down idling fleet engines when safe to do so. By reducing idling, fleets can reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

“The system continuously monitors a range of metrics while the vehicle is in use, including battery level and temperature to enable or disable the engine, reduce engine usage or maintain battery charge.

“It would be caused by situations such as waiting in a hospital with the engine still running, but would not compromise the vehicle’s essential systems – including the salon’s heating/air conditioning.”

Keiran Bromley, Fleet Clinical Engagement & Implementation Manager for EEAST.

A test vehicle fitted with the technology has been running in Hertfordshire since February. The results show that this one vehicle was idling unnecessarily for 26 hours per month, wasting more than 31 liters of diesel. It would take four trees per year to absorb CO2 emissions.

EEAST is the first Trust in the country to commit to equipping new vehicles with this new technology. By the end of summer, the system is expected to be installed on 40 Renault Master ambulances, and all our new fleets will have it too.

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