The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) provides emergency medical care to around 1.9 million people across Northern Ireland. More than a decade had passed since its last PPE rollout, and the ageing helmets still in service were uncomfortable, impractical, and unsuitable for staff who wear glasses.
Following a structured procurement process, Vimpex – the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of PAB helmets – supplied trial samples of the PAB MP1 Professional Helmet for evaluation. Crews assessed them on comfort, protection and usability, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
NIAS approved a full rollout of 1,000 PAB MP1 helmets across its five divisions. The helmets are lighter and more comfortable, with a secure side-closure clip that is quick to fasten under pressure. They store neatly in a paramedic bag and sit comfortably over glasses.
The partnership has continued to develop since. In March 2026, NIAS began a service-wide staff feedback exercise led by Manuel Carta, Uniform and Equipment Co-ordinator in the Fleet Department and a former paramedic himself. The review confirmed that the PAB MP1 was performing well in operational use, and identified lighting as the next area to improve.
Working with Vimpex, NIAS moved from the Adalit L-1 to the Adalit L-20: a 280-lumen, ATEX Zone 0 safety torch with a removable step-lighting diffuser that projects light onto the ground ahead of the user. Removing the diffuser switches the torch to booster mode for maximum beam penetration, and the rear soft-touch button is designed to be found and pressed while wearing gloves. It can be used in the hand or mounted to the helmet. Crews have reported improved ergonomics, greater durability, longer battery life and a significantly more effective beam pattern.
Together, the PAB MP1 helmet and the Adalit L-20 torch have improved comfort, efficiency and safety for NIAS frontline teams, helping them focus on delivering life-saving care across Northern Ireland.
“The PAB MP1 helmet has been extremely well received by NIAS crews across Northern Ireland. Staff consistently highlight its comfort, lightweight design and practicality in operational use. Following extensive engagement with frontline personnel, we have also worked closely with Vimpex to enhance other areas of operational equipment, including the introduction of the L20 torch, which has received very positive feedback for its durability, ergonomics and performance. The quality of the products, combined with the support provided by Vimpex, has made them a valued partner in helping us meet the needs of our frontline staff.”
Manuel Carta
Uniform and Equipment Co-ordinator, NIAS Fleet Department