VOLVO has launched a conversion of its V90, stretched and heightened to become an ambulance, which paramedics believe can cut up to six minutes off rescue times.

Powered by a 204bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine capable of a top speed of 120mph and a 0-60mph time of nine seconds, it is on test with Wiltshire and East Midlands ambulance services, and the Nottingham's service is also to receive a trial model soon.

The supply of Volvo ambulances and paramedic vehicles in the UK is to be made solely through a newly-established company, UK Rescue, owned and operated by John Hall, former fleet manager for the West Midlands Ambulance Service. There are more than 1,000 Volvo police cars in operation with 59 UK forces, and Hall says this could be repeated with the ambulance fleets.

Standard equipment on the V90 includes ABS, air conditioning, heated seats, electric windows, twin airbags, automatic transmission, power steering and cruise control. The converted model can carry a driver, paramedic, patient and one other passenger.