The AA is providing essential support to help the London Ambulance Service keep its clinicians on the road; part of a range of actions it’s taking to support the emergency services during the coronavirus crisis.
The Service runs a fleet of more than 500 ambulances and 70 fast response cars, and the AA is providing 24-hour breakdown and incident management services such as roadside assistance and vehicle recovery for the vehicles.
A total of 41 AA patrols have been sent to the 12 London Ambulance Service workshops across the capital to work alongside the Service’s fleet workshop teams, providing additional mechanical support and breakdown recovery and keeping vehicles ready to respond.
Garrett Emmerson, London Ambulance Service chief executive, said: “We are very grateful for the support of the AA as the country faces the biggest public health challenge in generations – one that is putting unprecedented strain on our Service.
“Our staff and volunteers are working harder than ever to provide life-saving care to Londoners. This partnership will help our fleet and workshop teams make sure crews can get back out on the road and continue to reach those patients that need us most.”
Edmund King, AA president, added: “This is an unprecedented situation and we’ve all got to pull together to ease the pressure on our emergency services and the NHS. We would be delighted to offer a similar service to the other ambulance services across the UK.”
The AA provides breakdown services to several ambulance services across the country and is working to roll out further support schemes to keep the UK’s emergency services moving during Covid-19.
The AA has also secured a deal with its parts supplier, Euro Car Parts, to provide mechanical parts for ambulance service at cost. The deal means the supplier will not profit from any sales to the ambulance service throughout the crisis.
King added: “We’re still here to keep key workers and members on the move, but urge motorists to heed government advice and only travel when it’s essential.”
