South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has become the first ambulance service in Europe to integrate digital alert technology into its emergency vehicles, aiming to enhance road safety and reduce response times.
Starting Monday, 9 December, SECAmb will activate the Safety Cloud system by HAAS Alert across its fleet. This innovative system delivers real-time notifications to drivers via navigation platforms such as Waze and Apple Maps, alerting them to approaching emergency vehicles even before blue lights and sirens become visible.
The technology aims to increase awareness among drivers, helping ambulances navigate traffic more smoothly and efficiently. In addition, future updates will integrate the alerts with compatible vehicles, further expanding the reach of the system.
A Safer, More Efficient Road Experience
By notifying drivers earlier, the system is expected to create safer conditions for road users, SECAmb operational crews, and patients. The technology also has the potential to lower repair costs by reducing accidents involving emergency vehicles. The smoother traffic flow could lead to reduced response times and a smaller carbon footprint for the Trust.
Rob Martin, SECAmb Fleet Services Manager, highlighted the potential benefits:
“We are pleased to be trialling this technology in our response vehicles. The alerts, in addition to traditional lights and sirens, will mean motorists able to use the system will be aware of our presence sooner. This extra time not only creates a safer experience for motorists but also our operational crews and patients across the south east.”
Partnership and Innovation
The trial is part of SECAmb’s partnership with ACETECH, a provider of cloud-based fleet telematics solutions. This collaboration supports the Trust’s efforts to remain at the forefront of emergency response technology.
SECAmb’s pioneering move underscores its commitment to safety and innovation, setting a benchmark for ambulance services across Europe.
