The pace of emergency vehicle innovation has been so rapid over the last 24 months, that a startling array of new vehicles and technology will be on show for the first time as The Emergency Services Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 7 and 8 September. Headlining among new vehicle launches will be the all-new lightweight Ford Venari ambulance developed under code name Project Siren.

The new vehicle’s lightweight design is fully compliant with the national specification advocated by the Lord Carter Report, offering all the equipment and capability of a front-line ambulance within a 3.5-tonne gross vehicle weight. The lightweight design also has been developed to provide a future-proof solution for ambulance operators looking to transition to zero-emission fleets.

The transformational power of new and emerging technologies will be the central theme of the expanded and enhanced trade show, which features over 450 exhibitors. New for 2021, the Vehicle Innovations Theatre is one of five theatres hosting 80 free CPD-accredited seminars.

The Vehicle Innovations Theatre will focus on one of the fastest growing areas of innovation in the emergency services sector that includes everything from vehicles with electric and hybrid drivetrains to connected vehicles and mobile incident command units.

Integrating technology for connected vehicles is a key theme of the show. The panel discussion Connecting Your Response -The Driving Force Behind Digital Transformation Projects features speakers from Satellite Applications Catapult, Excelerate Technology, Unblur, Hampshire and IoW Fire & Rescue Service and Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service. Together they will explore how UK Fire and Rescue Services are combining hybrid technology solutions within their Incident Ground Capabilities to underpin emerging first responder applications and improve the reliability of data transfer across any type of deployment.

“We are delivering a connectivity ecosystem by blending 4G/5G, wireless and satellite,” says Nicola Savage, group marketing director for Excelerate Technology which has been developing to connect devices and on-board equipment within ambulances with hospital physicians. “We can improve bandwidth, speed, efficiencies and resilience, improving patient care, situational awareness and clinical outcomes at complex, major incidents.”

In Planning for and Operating Net-Zero Carbon Roads Mel Clarke, Customer Service Director, Operations at Highways England, will explore how the move towards more electric vehicles on England’s motorways and major A-roads requires us to think differently about how we manage and operate the strategic road network.

Crown Commercial Service’s Head of Fleet Tammy Carter and David Wharton, Deputy Director – Buildings Cross Pillar and Decarbonisation will explore the multiple issues surrounding Launching The New Electric Police Fleet including charging infrastructure and energy supply.

Two more seminars looking at key issues presented to the emergency services by vehicle electrification are Lithium Ion Batteries – Firefighting ‘All Hazards Approach’ by Chris Lowther, Chief Fire Officer at Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service and Clean Transport – The Role of Energy Networks by Dr Russell Fowler, Senior Project Manager Decarbonisation of Transport at National Grid.

In West Midlands Fire Service: Transforming our Thinking, Phil Loach, Chief Fire Officer and Neil Griffiths, Group Commander – Strategic Enabler for Digital and Data will share how WMFS has been delivering intelligent services to communities through its digitally-empowered workforce.

Paul Howard, Head of Integration Services at Handsfree Group will cover the move from Tetra to LTE communications in his seminar Mission Critical Communications for Public Safety Vehicles. He will look at PTT, Voice and Data communications as well as installation and integration issues.

Rob MacIntosh, National Head of Fleet will share the many ways in which St John Ambulance has been leading innovation in ambulance design and technology, including pioneering the 3.5 tonne box body ambulance.

Leading fleet and technology brands exhibiting include Alfa Drop Box, Allison Transmission, Angloco, AMZ, Cartwright Vehicle Conversions, Emergency One, Excelerate, Ford, Isuzu, MAN Truck & Bus, MG Motor UK, Rosenbauer, Terberg DTS, VCS, Venari, Volvo Trucks, Volvo Car UK, WAS UK and many more.

New technology on display will include hybrid, electric and alternatively powered vehicles; connected and smart vehicles; satellite communications; GIS and mapping technologies; data technology; connectivity solutions and video capture systems. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the technology and experience how these solutions can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational response.

Emergency One will premiere its new E1 EV0, an all-electric, zero emission, full UK-specification fire and rescue pumping appliance and the world’s first all-electric pumping appliance. The operational service-ready model features a 280kWH battery pack and a 200-mile driving range.

Volvo Cars will showcase its pure electric XC40 Recharge SUV and C40 Recharge crossover as well as the new plug-in hybrid systems available in every model range in its UK line-up.

Among four new firefighting vehicles being showcased by Rosenbauer will be the Revolutionary Technology (RT), featuring an electric drive system that delivers an emission-free and virtually silent drive. It is powered by two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 360kW and up to 50,000Nm torque.

The Extrication and Trauma Challenge hosted by West Midlands Fire Service and judged by the UKRO (also exhibiting) will run on both days of the show. Visitors can get close to action and immerse in the high intensity atmosphere of a road collision incident. Teams will test their skills on first aid and trauma care, road traffic accident extrication, casualty care and more.

The Emergency Services Show will be co-located with The Safety & Security Event Series including The Fire Safety Event, The Health & Safety Event, The Facilities Event, The Security Event and National Cyber Security Show. The NEC Venue Protect programme ensures all participants enjoy a COVID-safe and secure visit with comprehensive social distancing measures and enhanced cleaning and sanitisation.

Parking at the NEC for show visitors is free. Register in advance for free entry to all six events with a single pass at: www.emergencyuk.com