How Fuel Management Systems are Used in Emergency Services 

Emergency service vehicles, including ambulance, police cars, and fire engines, play a crucial role in our lives by providing essential support. Their performance must be reliable and efficient given the severity of the issues they address.  

Many emergency service teams decide to implement a fuel management system for their vehicles so that they’re ready for action at any moment. Fuel monitoring systems are a secure and dependable way to refuel vehicles such as these, and when paired with online fuel management software, they can provide handlers with data insights that help optimise routes and processes. 

 

Advantages of Onsite Fuel Management Systems for Emergency Services 

Emergency service vehicles face unique challenges when it comes to fuel management. These vehicles work in high-pressure environments where a quick response can mean the difference between life and death. As a result, processes such as refuelling need to be as streamlined as possible, so that emergency service workers can act quickly during moments of crises.  

Reliability 

For emergency services, it’s crucial that vehicles are ready to respond at any given moment, and this includes having a fully fuelled fleet. Onsite fuel storage and dispensing significantly reduces downtime compared to public refuelling stations. There’s no telling when the next garage will be, or how busy it might be, and emergency service vehicles cannot afford to run this risk. Our onsite fuel management solutions ensure that these vehicles are fuelled quickly and efficiently, avoiding the delays and risks associated with refuelling at external locations.  

Cost Savings 

Emergency vehicles are constantly out on the road, which can quickly lead to a high amount spent on fuel. With a fuel management system, fuel can be purchased at wholesale prices and stored in secure bunded tanks. Our sophisticated online software is also designed to identify problems with fuel usage, working to prevent unnecessary fuel waste and subsequently help manage costs. 

Fuel Security 

Fuel theft can be an issue that impacts all different industries, including the emergency services sector. That’s why having a fuel management system equipped with security features is essential for protecting your fuel against unauthorised personnel. With our solutions, you can customise who has access to fuel management systems, along with detailed reports and activity histories, assisting in fuel security.  

Lancashire Fire & Rescue and Merseyside Fire & Rescue 

We’ve been approached by several emergency service fleets to help them come up with a tailored complete fuel management package to elevate their fuel efficiency. One example is Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Lancashire Fire and Rescue, located in North West England. The fire services required a solution that was capable of handling their own fleet’s fuel needs across their multiple sites but also provided fuel to other emergency service providers like the police, ambulance, and local councils.  

They approached us with the need for a comprehensive fuel management system that adhered to Measuring Instrument Directive standards, which ensures accurate fuel measurement and resale capabilities. This would allow them to charge external authorities for fuel used from their facilities, and they desired a shared system to justify the investment of the project.  

To meet their demands, we provided a complete package that included the FT4000AP fuel monitor, ATEX-approved fuel pumps, tank gauging systems, and integration with our FMO management and reporting software. This solution allowed for real-time stock comparison to ensure accurate fuel dispensing even with other service providers accessing the facilities.  

By decommissioning old underground fuel tanks and installing new secure storage systems across 15 sites we helped Merseyside and Lancashire Fire and Rescue improve their fuel management infrastructure.

Norfolk Fire & Rescue

Similarly, Norfolk Fire & Rescue, covering the county of Norfolk, got in touch for their first-ever fuel management system. Their goal was to secure a consistent fuel supply for their emergency fleet, whilst improving fuel resilience at remote locations. We implemented a complete fuel management package, including Fueltek FS storage tanks, FT4000 fuel monitoring systems, and TankWatch monitoring, all integrated with our FMO browser-based software for remote access and real-time reporting.

Norfolk Fire & Rescue had no prior experience in fuel management, so we provided comprehensive training and continuous support. This led to a secure and efficient fuel management solution that kept their vehicles and ready for emergencies, whilst also being equipped with the skills and tools to keep the system working correctly.

These tailored systems helped both organisations improve their fuel management, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency, so that they can continue to serve the public.

It’s incredibly important for emergency service fleets to be equipped with the best possible fuel solutions, not only to ensure cost savings and fuel efficiency, but to also allow these vehicles to be ready at any moment for an emergency. The emergency service sector is just one of many industries that we work with, as we’re able to personalise fuel management systems to our client’s precise needs. To learn more, or for any queries, please contact us.