SURREY Ambulance Service has added 13 Volvo V50 Sportswagons to its fast response fleet.

The cars are strategically placed throughout the county to reach patients within eight minutes of receiving a call out. They will be in service for five years and will cover about 100,000 miles.

The rear loadspace will be used for medical equipment needed for paramedics to administer on-the-spot emergency treatment ahead of the arrival of a traditional ambulance.

The front passenger seat has been removed from each vehicle to accommodate communications equipment.