Lord Mayor cuts ribbon for new NARS rapid response vehicle

The new NARS rapid response vehicle outside St Peter Mancroft (Image: NARS)

NARS chairman Chris Neil brought his team to outside the Forum at lunchtime on Thursday to show off their new vehicle, Medic 22, and have a ribbon cut by David Fullman.

The team was able to buy the van after a legacy was left to them. It also doubles up as a classroom, with a worktop and computer. Mr Neil said: 'It's a unit that we've always wanted because we needed the ability to train new critical care paramedics.

'We've got technology to sit and teach or debrief, so we can actually shut the door on a day like this, get the heater going, have a cup of tea and do some teaching.'

As NARS is a charity, much of the new equipment, including a CPR machine, was paid for by Acle and Brundall Lions Club and The Geoffrey Watling Foundation. NARS relies entirely on donations and has offered to provide a free will service for those considering leaving a legacy.

The new NARS rapid response vehicle outside St Peter Mancroft (Image: NARS)

Mr Fullman said: 'It's a charity that deserves everybody's support, and they're doing a fantastic job. They need to get more publicity to get people to know about them and support them. It's good to know it's there when you need it.'

Paul Postle, 68, was one of the first NARS paramedics. He said: 'I've seen the change from when were all using our own cars and carrying equipment in cardboard boxes. It's lovely that they were able to afford a vehicle like this.'

The vehicle was initially bought from Robinsons in Norwich, before being converted by a specialist in Bolton into a functioning 'mobile response unit and training unit', according to Mr Neil.

NARS owns one other flagship Audi, Medic 23, which will now be re-designed for back-up duties.

Old article from NARS, Norfolk Accident Rescue Service. Photo: NARS (Image: NARS)

However, most NARS volunteers use their own vehicles. The organisation consists of 21 doctors and paramedics who volunteer their spare time and receive extra training to provide specialised trauma care at the scene of a crash or cardiac arrest.

The application process is 'intense' and whittles 100 applicants down to just 10.

Retired fireman Calvert Tams said: 'It's fantastic. You never know, I might need one one day so it's nice to have a look.'

? To find out more about NARS visit www.nars.org.uk

The new NARS rapid response vehicle outside St Peter Mancroft (Image: NARS)