Scottish ambulances now kitted out with cutting-edge technology

The new devices, supplied by the Ortus Group, have been installed in 528 Scottish Ambulance Service Accident and Emergency response vehicles.

They are more reliable and will enable paramedics to transfer patient data from some of the most remote parts of Scotland to a receiving hospital.

The project involved training 3029 members of staff, with 500 training sessions being held across 75 locations.

Consultant paramedic Dave Bywater said: “I want to thank everyone who has been involved in fitting our ambulances with these new defibrillators, putting Scotland at the cutting-edge of this new technology. We are delighted patients are going to benefit from it.

“This has been a great team effort – the project was delivered under budget and by its target date.

“This was done through what were very challenging circumstances and involved a great team effort.

“In addition to defibrillation for out of hospital cardiac arrest patients, they also automatically record a patient’s vital signs – freeing the crew from recording data manually and enabling them to give more focus to patients.”

The new Corpuls3 devices will automatically pass clinical information and data into the Electronic Patient Record, which can then be picked up and monitored by hospital clinicians ahead of the patient arriving.

Paramedics and technicians will also be able to easily record which drugs they have administered.

Craig Hall, Ortus Group managing director, said: “To be involved with the Scottish Ambulance Service on a project of this importance has been fantastic.

“The entire emergency services world watched its progress.

“We had a few issues to deal with in regard to Covid and the logistics around it but everyone stepped up and delivered when it counted.

“I hope all within SAS enjoy using the Corpuls3 and that the choice in selecting this product is rewarded by a clinically enhanced outcome for the people of Scotland.”