Of the 20 new IVECO ambulances delivered to INEM in April, nine are already ‘out of service’, the majority due to electrical problems.
INEM has confirmed the situation explaining issues involve sirens and emergency lights ‘turning themselves off’ while ambulances are in motion and sanitary cells ‘not working’ – which affects the charging of medical equipment and the running of fridges loaded with medication.
Union officials have labelled the situation “unacceptable” – though it seems unlikely to persist for too long.
A source for INEM has confirmed that IVECO is dealing with the ambulances with electrical faults, while those out of commission for other reasons are also being seen to.
The source stressed that “even when not new”, the INEM fleet of emergency response vehicles is subject to “periodic and rigorous repairs and maintenance” in order to “ensure the safety of crew members and users”.
