AN action group is set to start their campaign to save Canvey’s only rapid response car from the axe.

Fresh plans were announced earlier this year to shake up the East of England Ambulance Service to get more ambulances on the roads.

However, as a result of that move, Canvey is set to lose its only rapid response vehicle, manned by paramedics, meaning it may take longer to reach people in emergencies.

Whilst the Canvey First Responders will remain with their own community sponsored vehicle, the rapid response emergency car is set to be phased out in February.

A campaign to stop the car being removed held its first public meeting at the responders’ community hub, in Long Road on Friday.

Campaigner founder Kieran Smith led the meeting, where he told the gathered residents the importance of having a dedicated emergency vehicle to the island.

He said: “Canvey itself has its own unique problems, most notably the geographical issue, as we are an island.

“Last year, the rapid response vehicle had around 1,000 call outs. That’s roughly three per day. It is clear that it is needed, it is the only emergency vehicle specifically tethered to the island. The ambulance service have said Canvey could get three additional ambulances, but that doesn’t mean the island will get them itself.

“Ambulances are not tethered, they may start on Canvey but could end up going all over the place.

“The furthest I’ve heard one go from this region is Colchester.

“They have said it will be phased out in February, so they’re keeping it for the winter months, but I don’t agree with that.

“If something is needed for the winter months, don’t phase it out at all.”

Many residents attended the meeting, where concerns were raised over how accessible the island would be during winter months for ambulances, the length of time residents end up waiting due to majority of resources being dedicated to the most serious cases.

Resident Stephanie Trew said: “This is why I am here this evening. I am a mother of two children, and the island I live on could face having no tethered emergency vehicle.

“The island, because of its location and population, needs a tethered emergency car.”

An online and paper petition is planned, and members will be out campaigning in Canvey High Street near Specsavers on Saturday.

Mr Smith added: “We need to be more visible, and we have to reach out to more people, and encourage them to share their story, to get that personal drive that this is a problem affecting many people on the island.”

The group agreed they need to have a more visible presence to reach more people, make them aware of the impending loss, and encourage others to share their story if they have suffered long waits for an ambulance or paramedic.