The States of Jersey has upgraded its ambulance fleet, with retired vehicles donated to charities, including one destined for Ukraine.
The government announced that all seven ambulances have been replaced, with an eighth on the way to address "increased demand on the [ambulance] service." While the replacement program has cost "hundreds of thousands of pounds," the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.
One of the retired ambulances will be donated to Pick Ups for Peace, where volunteers Bob De La Haye and Dr. Rhys Perkins will drive it to Ukraine to "save lives."
Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, stated, "This donation was only possible due to substantial government investment in frontline ambulance services." She added that charities Normandy Rescue and Jersey Raynet also received vehicles, while others were sold to Blue Light UK, with the proceeds reinvested into the service.
Le Hegarat emphasized that the investment ensures frontline paramedics and ambulance technicians have modern, fit-for-purpose vehicles, allowing the retired ambulances to be passed on to good causes.
Pete Gavey, Chief Ambulance Officer of the States of Jersey Ambulance Service, expressed his support for the donation, noting, "Given the loss of infrastructure in Ukraine due to the conflict, I hope it will help save lives."
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