THE Sussex ambulance service has ordered some of the most advanced front-line units on the country’s roads.

A high level of specification for the 18 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, including a range of life-saving medical equipment, tail-lifts and closed-circuit televisions, means they each cost about £100,000.

Ambulance service fleet manager Keith Hicks said: ‘These new Mercedes are at the cutting edge of ambulance technology. Our focus has been on patient care and staff safety and we are delighted with the result.

‘The tail-lifts are already contributing to a reduction in the number of staff absences through back injuries, while the CCTV cameras will help combat the growing problem of violence against our crews.’