EMICS (East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme) has reached a significant milestone with the permanent acquisition of its Fast Response Vehicle (FRV), marking the end of a successful trial period. Initially loaned by Smart Metering Services and BASICS (the national organisation supporting Immediate Care Schemes), the FRV has now found a permanent home with EMICS, thanks to support from the Freemasons across the East Midlands.
The Freemasons across the East Midlands donation covered the purchase cost of the vehicle and a year’s worth of operational expenses. With this support, EMICS has already installed a new livery and also has plans to integrate additional technical equipment, ensuring operational readiness to serve those in our community, 24/7, 365 days a year.
During the trial phase from 2022 to 2023, EMICS assessed the efficacy of the FRV, in parallel with its traditional ‘own-car’ response model. EMICS equipped the vehicle with additional specialised equipment to allow crews with the right experience to respond more appropriately to the most serious cases and be more effective if first on scene. This was made possible by funding from NHS Together.
With the permanent acquisition of the FRV at the start of 2024, EMICS has transitioned to a ‘shift-based’ response model. This model streamlines the emergency medical response, and prioritises the well-being of the dedicated medical professionals involved, promoting a healthier work-life balance.
Crucially, the acquisition of the FRV allows EMICS to incorporate suitably qualified paramedics into its response teams, further improving emergency medical services across the region.
Speaking on behalf of EMICS, Dr Tim Gray MBE, Founder and Chair of EMICS, expressed his thanks to all donors, volunteer doctors, and paramedics involved, emphasising the impact of their contributions on emergency medical care provision in the East Midlands.
The permanent acquisition of the FRV represents a significant leap forward in EMICS’s mission to deliver timely and effective emergency medical assistance to those facing critical situations across the region.
