DOZENS of reinforced ambulances will be introduced onto Gloucestershire’s roads this year to deal with the rise in obese patients.

Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) revealed it is updating its fleet of 105 vehicles to include 26 new bariatric ambulances – capable of transporting patients up to 50 stone in weight.

The service has also pledged to replace its 15 oldest vehicles with heavy-duty versions within the next year.

Costing between £60,000 and £90,000 each, the specially adapted ambulances come equipped with a full range of hoists and lifting equipment, as well as stronger tail lifts that can handle weights of up to 75 stone.

They are also wider to accommodate double-width trolley stretchers.

GWAS first began adapting its fleet in 2008 before signing up to an agreed national standard a year later that says all ambulances should have bariatric capabilities.

A spokesman for GWAS said: "It is about us having a fleet that is able to meet the needs of today’s patients.

"By having bariatric ambulances at our disposal we can serve with greater confidence heading into the future."