New ambulance boost for Kent

The week of 10 May started with great excitement as two of the four long awaited new ambulances were delivered to county headquarters in West Malling.

The state-of-the art ambulances, complete with the full range of equipment needed to cover every first aid eventuality, will be put to very good use at the charity's Dover and Sittingbourne divisions.

Steve Walker, assistant county commissioner operations for St John Ambulance Kent says, 'Both Dover and Sittingbourne divisions are thrilled that their new ambulances are finally here. A further two will be delivered in the next few weeks. The benefits these new vehicles provide St John Ambulance Kent are huge in terms of the first class medical assistance they enable us to provide and that we are able to retire several of our more 'elderly vehicles'. The new ambulances will ensure the efficiency of our service, whatever the weather.'

Janet Gardener, divisional superintendent at Sittingbourne and everyone at Dover are very excited about the new arrivals.

Janet said, 'This is a great day for us. We started fundraising for a new ambulance several years ago, and so there has been much anticipation and excitement about the new ambulance's arrival. We would like to say a particular thanks to Sittingbourne Rotary Club and Gerald Lucas, furniture retailers in Sittingbourne who have supported us greatly in our fundraising.'

The new Dover ambulance means the current 10 year old vehicle can be retired and the whole division can’t wait to get it on the road and operational.