The UK government has announced project Robust Emergency Services Performing Operations in Electric (RESPONSE), an initiative designed to maximise the efficiency of emergency service operations with zero-emission technology.
Led by Flexible Power Systems (FPS) with support from Cenex, the project is being funded by Innovate UK under the Net Zero Mobility programme.
RESPONSE seeks to address obstacles that have previously hindered the development of comprehensive zero-emission emergency service operations planning and dispatch systems, such as charging and range restrictions.
FPS is developing the new platform based on its existing Operate architecture, a data integration software that works with the existing emergency service ecosystem used to manage fleet operations.
FPS said it aims to address the challenges of charging and range restrictions by developing a co-pilot that delivers streamlined choices for the human dispatcher, utilising Operate to investigate how digital tools and artificial intelligence can better accommodate zero-emission response vehicles.
Dr Peter Speers, principal technical specialist at Cenex, said: “Project RESPONSE offers an exciting opportunity to utilise our extensive experience in supporting emergency fleets and apply it to the development of zero-emission emergency service operations.
“With our deep understanding of vehicle technology and fleet operations, we are committed to maximising efficiency and ensuring the seamless integration of sustainable practices into emergency service operations.”
RESPONSE is being supported in the development stage by a user focus group consisting of ‘blue light’ organisations based in the UK and the Netherlands, including NHS England, Southwest Police Service, Kent Police and Essex Police and Ambulancezorg Nederland, which represents all 25 Dutch regional ambulance services, including 10 regional dispatch centres.
Achievements and innovations in zero-emission vehicles will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
