The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) serves the entire region of Northern Ireland, providing vital care to a population of approximately 1.9 million people. With around 1,200 operational staff, including frontline paramedics, emergency response teams, and control staff. The trust is one of the smallest compared to its counterparts in England, but it plays an equally critical role.
NIAS last rolled out new PPE in 2013, meaning essential equipment, such as helmets, was overdue for replacement. The existing helmets had become a source of frustration for staff. The visors were detachable and could not be stored on the helmets, which meant they had to be removed and reattached every time. This process was time-consuming, particularly in urgent situations, and many staff also reported discomfort with the fit, especially those wearing glasses.
During regular Uniform Committee meetings, these issues were raised, and Irina McKelvey, from the NIAS Fleet Department in Belfast, was tasked with sourcing a better alternative.
Irina had to follow a strict procurement framework when sourcing PPE. Fortunately, Vimpex, who are the UK’s sole distributor of the PAB MP1 Professional Helmet, were already on the framework. In September 2024, Vimpex provided several helmet samples for trial. Staff tested the helmets and scored them against key criteria such as comfort, protection, quality, cost, and lead times. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with staff unanimously preferring the new PAB MP1 helmets.
Following this successful trial, NIAS approved a full rollout of 1,000 PAB MP1 helmets, with Vimpex delivering directly to the trust’s five divisions.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) serves the entire region of Northern Ireland, providing vital care to a population of approximately 1.9 million people. With around 1,200 operational staff, including frontline paramedics, emergency response teams, and control staff. The trust is one of the smallest compared to its counterparts in England, but it plays an equally critical role.
NIAS last rolled out new PPE in 2013, meaning essential equipment, such as helmets, was overdue for replacement. The existing helmets had become a source of frustration for staff. The visors were detachable and could not be stored on the helmets, which meant they had to be removed and reattached every time. This process was time-consuming, particularly in urgent situations, and many staff also reported discomfort with the fit, especially those wearing glasses.
During regular Uniform Committee meetings, these issues were raised, and Irina McKelvey, from the NIAS Fleet Department in Belfast, was tasked with sourcing a better alternative.
Irina had to follow a strict procurement framework when sourcing PPE. Fortunately, Vimpex, who are the UK’s sole distributor of the PAB MP1 Professional Helmet, were already on the framework. In September 2024, Vimpex provided several helmet samples for trial. Staff tested the helmets and scored them against key criteria such as comfort, protection, quality, cost, and lead times. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with staff unanimously preferring the new PAB MP1 helmets.
Following this successful trial, NIAS approved a full rollout of 1,000 PAB MP1 helmets, with Vimpex delivering directly to the trust’s five divisions.
The new PAB MP1 helmets have significantly improved their staff comfort, efficiency, and protection. By resolving the practical issues of the old helmets, NIAS frontline staff can now focus on their critical work of responding quickly and effectively to emergencies across Northern Ireland.
Contact us today to find out how Vimpex can support your service with PAB MP1 helmets.