St John Ambulance has launched a pioneering trial using the all-electric BYD Sealion 7 to respond to 999 emergencies and accelerate urgent patient care.

Over the next six months, St John Ambulance crews will pilot an all-electric Sealion 7 for responding to emergency medical calls.

Working alongside the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), the pilot will offer the local community clinical assessment and life-saving aid in advance of ambulance crews’ arrival.

The pilot will measure system impact and patient outcomes in the Norfolk region, with a view to potentially expanding the scheme across other regions of England.

The trial also aims to ease critical pressure on frontline NHS ambulance services.

BYD is supplying the Sealion 7, which will be fully liveried and equipped with blue lights to enable rapid response times, aided by its 530hp twin-motor powertrain and 312-mile electric range.

The SUV’s generous interior space and a 520-litre boot will enable the crew to carry medical equipment such as defibrillators, oxygen, airway management equipment and emergency medicines.

Co-responders arrive first on the scene in over 94% of incidents they are dispatched to, meaning they can begin life-saving care as quickly as possible. They have also been able to treat and safely discharge many patients at scene, helping to free up ambulances for the most urgent calls.

Jeanette Griggs, national corporate & public sector manager at BYD UK, said: “The vital work St John Ambulance carries out in communities across the country saves lives, and we believe the Sealion 7’s fully electric performance, impressive range and practical cabin make it ideally suited to support their co-responders. We’re excited to see the positive impact this trial will have for St John Ambulance and the communities they serve.”

Tom Willis, head of clinical standards for St John Ambulance, who is leading the scheme in Norfolk as well as being one of the active co-responders, said early results are very encouraging.

“Our teams are reaching patients quickly, providing immediate care, and in some cases resolving incidents without the need for an ambulance to attend. That is a positive outcome both for patients and for the wider health system.”

He added: “We are immensely grateful to BYD for loaning a fully electric response car. Having a dedicated response vehicle for this pilot is essential to ensuring our volunteers can reach patients quickly and begin care at the earliest possible moment. This scheme is about working in partnership with our NHS colleagues to provide additional support where it is most needed, helping to improve outcomes for patients while also easing pressure on frontline resources.”“The loan of the BYD Sealion 7 will help us use donations for life-saving interventions, rather than on rising fuel costs, helping us to run the scheme more efficiently and with greater impact.”

St John Ambulance provides its services to the NHS free of charge and relies on public support, partnerships and donations to sustain its work in communities across the country.