THE Northern Echo has launched a new feature where we highlight the emergency services working to keep the region safe. Today we look at some developments in the North East Ambulance Service

Paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said being in an ambulance can be a very traumatic experience.

Some patients currently have difficulty seeing handrails and steps, while others have problems seeing or understanding signs in vehicles.

However, the NEAS has just unveiled a major redesign of new vehicles.  In all, 87 ambulances and patient transport service vehicles have been adapted to make them more accessible to disabled people, including people with sight and hearing impairments and those living with dementia.

NEAS is the first ambulance service in the country to completely redesign some of their vehicles to try and meet the needs of all of these patients.

Among the changes are a new look interior, an improved colour scheme, flooring, seat colours, better signs and handrails.

The colour contrast between the walls, floor and cabinets has also been changed to improve access for patients.

The work follows an extensive consultation exercise with stakeholder and patient representative groups and the vehicles have been approved by the Alzheimer’s Society.

NEAS chief executive Helen Ray, said: “What might appear to be small adaptations, such as changing signs and the colour of handrails, can make a big difference to disabled patients.These changes will mean that they can access our vehicles more easily and help people to live more independently. This will help to reduce the stress and anxiety they can feel.”

Andrew Ball of the Alzheimer’s Society, added: “More and more people are living with dementia. We need to make the journey in an ambulance as comfortable as possible for them and for staff to understand the needs of people living with dementia. It’s been really welcome that the changes have been for everybody, including those with disabilities.”