Telematics system will be installed in North East Ambulance service vehicles

Ambulance

QBE’s motor risk management team is piloting a telematics system with the North East Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (NEAS).

The pilot involves installing the telematics system to 30 front-line accident and emergency vehicles, 10 rapid response vehicles and 10 patient transport service vehicles, involving approximately 1,500 drivers. 

The technology, supplied by emergency service technology provider Ortus Technology, will offer positioning accuracy to within 50cm, record timings, fuel and fuel station usage, patient journey information, blue light usage, vehicle off road time, tail lift maintenance cycles, speed and brake usage.

QBE’s risk management services practice leader for motor, Doug Jenkins, said: “QBE is a leading insurer of “blue-light” vehicles in the UK. 

“Data provided by the on-board system will allow our risk management team and the ambulance service to work together to analyse driver behaviour with a view to reducing the number of larger claims and accidents when responding to emergency calls. 

“Two years ago, we worked closely with NEAS to install an on-board camera system. The new telematics device is the latest technology and offers more advanced data and monitoring. If the six-month pilot proves successful, we aim to be able to use this technology with other similar clients.”

NEAS head of risk and claims, Alan Gallagher, said: “We’re excited by the benefits that this new technology promises to bring to managing our fleet of vehicles. 

“We expect that costs associated with fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance and claims will diminish over time as we learn from the insight the telematics system provides and, by looking at driver behaviour. It is hoped that this technology can lead to significant future savings thereby reducing the pressures on other areas. The pilot is therefore of great importance in ensuring the on-going financial health of the trust.”