Guernsey dealers sponsor two Abarth 595 for use as Ambulance cars for St John's, a great idea.

They are billed as ‘First Responders’ and these two Abarth 595 ambulance cars should certainly be first at the scene of an emergency.

Powered by a turbo-charged 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, delivering 140 hp and 206 Nm maximum torque, these Abarth St John Community First Responders (CFR) cars are capable of 127 mph top speed and 0-62 mph acceleration in just 7.9 seconds – just right for a 999 call.

The two cars, sponsored by Michael and Peter Beausire, directors of Guernsey-based Abarth dealer Le Mont Saint Garage, will be used on the island by St John Community volunteers for the next year. Each vehicle carries a defibrillator and other life-saving equipment. The cars, which have been branded with CFR for maximum awareness, are available for immediate emergency dispatch.

CFRs are alerted to an emergency call at the same time as an ambulance and because they are already out in the community, they can be the first to reach the patient, sometimes making a difference between life and death.

“Le Mont Saint Garage’s donation is extremely generous and this practical support is invaluable to St John,” says Alison Marquis, deputy chief officer of St John Emergency Ambulance Service. “The support our CFRs provide, with perhaps early defibrillation and other life-saving skills in those first few minutes following a 999 call, can make a massive difference.”

“I am delighted that Le Mont Saint Garage was able to provide support to this worthwhile cause,” says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. “I hope the cars help the St John volunteers provide lifesaving care and support.”

The Abarth 595 range starts at £14,610 for the 1.4 T-Jet 140 hp manual.