SECAmb rolls out updated PPE for hazardous area responders

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is rolling out a new operating uniform for its Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), replacing the long-standing green kit with a high-visibility yellow and navy design intended to boost safety during specialist operations.

The updated personal protective equipment (PPE) has been developed to improve visibility in poor conditions, including rain, fog, snow and low light. Westley Shaw, Operational Unit Manager for Specialist Operations, said the change is designed to better protect staff working in dangerous environments.

“The kit ensures our teams can be seen effectively in situations with poor visibility … to better protect our paramedics in hazardous conditions,” he said.

However, the shift away from the recognisable green uniform presents some practical challenges. “HART operatives have become easily recognisable on the ground in recent years, and this change may impact the ability of other responders to quickly recognise those wearing this new uniform,” Shaw said.

“We’re really keen for SECAmb operational staff and partner agencies to be aware of this new version and colour scheme, so they understand our purpose at an incident.”

Alongside their specialist duties, HART teams continue to play an active role in frontline care. They routinely respond to Category 1 emergencies and other life-threatening incidents, with one HART Primary Response Vehicle at each site dedicated to this function on every shift.

Shaw said this dual commitment remains central to the team’s mission: “We ensure patients receive care quickly while remaining ready to respond to high-risk HART incidents whenever needed.”

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