Coronavirus: Europcar supplies vehicles for South Central Ambulance Service

Europcar Mobility Group UK has supplied 61 cars to MOD paramedics who have been drafted in to support South Central Ambulance Service’s emergency calls.

With the anticipated increase in COVID-19 cases, the MOD paramedics needed transport to enable them to move between their barracks and South Central’s assigned ambulance centres.

Within 48hrs of receiving the call, Europcar had delivered the first 32 vehicles. Working with Major Emma Allen and Major James Allen, South Central Ambulance Service military liaison officers, their teams collected 24 of the vehicles from Europcar’s Southampton rental station and eight other vehicles were delivered to their site in High Wycombe.

The additional 29 cars were supplied over the weekend, involving four different Europcar stations working together to deliver as quickly as possible.

Nicola Dunbar, head of operations, community engagement and training at South Central Ambulance Service, said: “Having seen the announcement of Europcar’s ‘Together’ campaign in the media, I got in touch because I needed access to vehicles quickly.

“Thanks to Europcar we have managed to get additional resources in place for the anticipated increase in demand for these services.”

Gary Smith, managing director at Europcar Mobility Group UK, added: "We are proud that through our Together programme, our rental vehicles are enabling emergency services to continue operating across the country.”

The vehicles will be required for the next three months and Europcar says it stands ready to supply more, if and when required.