The threat of terror attacks has prompted Essex Ambulance Service to invest in new emergency vehicles designed to deal with chemical attacks.
The eight major incident vehicles were unveiled at service headquarters in Broomfield, Chelmsford yesterday.
They look like ordinary ambulances but are fitted with specialist equipment, which would allow 1,200 victims of a chemical or biological incident to be treated at once.
The new fleet includes:
Two decontamination vehicles, containing shower units to hose down casualties and protective suits to stop staff becoming infected
Three mass-casualty equipment pod vehicles, fitted with breathing apparatus to counter the choking effects of toxins, and life-saving drugs
Three major incident equipment vehicles, carrying general medical supplies and huge tents for holding victims after decontamination
One of each type will be based in Colchester. Two will be at Stansted, one in Brentwood and two in Thurrock.
Published Friday August 20, 2004
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