News - NHS South East Coast Ambulance Service

12 June 2026

A day to recognise the hard work of all those who keep SECAmb’s fleet running smoothly

Today is National Automotive Service Professionals Day, an opportunity to thank the hard work of the mechanics, technicians and support staff who keep SECAmb’s fleet running smoothly. Established in 2001, this day recognises the knowledge and skill required to diagnose and repair our vehicles, keeping crews on the road and able to respond when our communities need them. Fleet Commissioning Technic

12 June 2026

SECAmb unveils new Pride vehicle to celebrate Pride Month

A new Pride vehicle has been unveiled by South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) as part of its celebrations for Pride Month this June. This year’s vehicle was unveiled on Thursday, 11 June, at SECAmb’s Polegate Make Ready Centre. The specially designed ambulance will travel across the region throughout the summer, supporting Pride events including one of the UK’s largest celebrations, Brig

10 June 2026

Show your support for Team SECAmb this World Cup summer

With the Met Office forecasting hotter than average temperatures in the coming weeks and with 999 call volume expected to increase by as much as 50 per cent in the hours after England World Cup matches, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is asking the public for its support as they cheer on the Three Lions or their country of choice this summer. During the most recent heatwave, a swelteri

10 June 2026

Hove family proves the chain of survival saves lives after rare heart condition emergency

A rare genetic heart condition that often shows no warning signs until it causes a cardiac arrest turned a normal day into a life-threatening emergency for a Hove based family. Brugada syndrome, which affects as few as 1 in 2,000 people in the UK, can cause sudden cardiac death and is sometimes only discovered after someone collapses. This was the case for Andrew Lakey-Porter who went into sudden

10 June 2026

Kent first aid instructor reunites with ambulance team post heart attack

A Kent first aid instructor has spoken of the moment he realised he needed saving himself, after a hidden and life-threatening condition triggered a heart attack at home. Michael, aged 41 from Ramsgate in Kent was with his partner and three-year-old twins at home when he began experiencing symptoms on the evening of 23 March 2026. He felt restless, with an aching jaw and teeth but believing it mi

9 June 2026

Eastbourne resident charged for misuse of 999 emergency service

An Eastbourne resident has been prosecuted following repeated inappropriate use of the 999-emergency ambulance service. Bernard Hudson, 64, was trialled in Brighton Magistrates Court on Friday, 29 May and sentenced and charged with a penalty fine and 10-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months for continuous hoax calls to 999. Over a three-month period, South East Coast Ambulance Service

9 June 2026

Ambulance team will saddle up to launch SECAmb Charity challenge

A team from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) are tackling a demanding bike ride across Sussex and Surrey – including the iconic climb at Box Hill – to raise funds for the SECAmb Charity. Led by Interim Chief Executive Jen Allan, a number of Trust executives will saddle up for the 55-mile challenge, covering the same distance as the London to Brighton Cycle Ride. Starting and ending at S

9 June 2026

Surrey paramedic takes on ultimate endurance challenge – rowing 2000 miles around Great Britain coast

A paramedic from Surrey is taking on an ‘oarsome’ challenge, attempting to row 2,000 miles around the Great British coastline. Kit Nelson is part of the six-strong Nautilus team tackling the GB Row Challenge, putting their strength, stamina and resilience to the test while gathering research to preserve marine environments and wildlife. Kit Nelson (first left) with the rest of the Nautilus crew ta

6 June 2026

Archbishop of Canterbury sees first-hand impact of ambulance chaplaincy support

The vital role chaplaincy plays in supporting ambulance service colleagues was placed firmly in the spotlight during a recent visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury to SECAmb’s Medway Make Ready Centre. The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, who became Archbishop of Canterbury in March 2026 and is the first woman to hold the office, spent time with colleagues from frontline operations, the E

4 June 2026

Eastbourne community learns life-saving CPR at 999 Day

Improving cardiac arrest outcomes starts before an ambulance arrives and this weekend, Eastbourne saw the community come together to learn vital life-saving skills in action. Emergency services were front and centre as the Eastbourne community gathered on the Western Lawns for the annual Eastbourne 999 event over the last weekend of May 2026. South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) joined emer

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