Volunteers at Essex Search and Rescue are continuing their vital work to find vulnerable missing people with the help of a newly converted Peugeot Boxer L4H3 panel van.
Supplied by System Edström, the vehicle has been converted in partnership with Richell Vehicle Conversions and Fleetshield to meet the charity’s bespoke needs.
Essex Search and Rescue plays an important role in helping the emergency services locate high-risk, missing people. This includes vulnerable people living with issues such as dementia, mental health conditions or despondency. In 2024 alone, the team was called into action 75 times.
The team uses two vehicles: an incident control unit for coordinating searches, and a support unit to transport team members and equipment.
By 2022, the previous control vehicle, which was nearly 21 years old, required replacement, so the project to replace it began. The specification for the new vehicle required it to be under 3.5 tonnes, taking account of both conversion and the equipment to be carried, and have a service life of 15 years. And this is where System Edström came in.
System Edström UK sales manager – wholesale Chris Angel said: “When Essex Search and Rescue first approached us, we eagerly embraced the opportunity to help and support them. We were thrilled to contribute to such a vital charity, dedicated to rescuing people and saving lives in any way we could.”
The vehicle has two separate areas, each of which required special solutions. The control area is the centre of operations and is equipped to plan, coordinate and manage searches with desk space, two networked PCs with specialist search software, a system for real-time tracking of search teams in the field, a briefing screen, printer, 5G router, radios, a 12m radio mast, integrated power systems, and heating. System Edström provided durable under-desk drawer units to optimise the storage space in this area.
The equipment storage area holds critical search tools – medical bags, radios, stretchers, torches, and water search equipment – organised in dedicated spaces for easy access. Additional features include a hot water boiler, hand-wash unit and welfare essentials for volunteers.
Every piece of equipment, all of which varies in size and shape, needs to have a dedicated location, immediately locatable and accessible. This required a high-quality, robust and durable storage system that offered a wide range of flexible storage solutions, while being as light as possible.
System Edström supplied a solution that fitted the bill perfectly. The system features shelving, pegboards, trays, rails, hooks, airline rails and securing straps, ensuring every item has a safe and accessible place.
Externally, the vehicle includes search-and-rescue reflective livery, a wind-out awning for shelter and briefings, and 360-degree scene lighting.
System Edström’s Chris Angel said: “Essex Search and Rescue had a clear vision of their new vehicle’s needed capabilities. By collaborating closely with them and Richell Vehicle Conversions, we helped design a vehicle that efficiently used the van’s space while accommodating the necessary specialist equipment.
“Using our in-house design software (DnD), we demonstrated what was feasible within the vehicle. Our high-quality modular racking design ensured the supplied kit was versatile, durable, and safe. With our five-year warranty, the racking is guaranteed to meet the vehicle’s demanding and critical needs. Expertly installed by Richell Vehicle Conversions and Fleetshield, the completed vehicle is now ready to assist those in need.”
Essex Search and Rescue’s Matt Cloke added: “We are incredibly grateful to System Edström for their invaluable support in helping us better serve our community. Their expert advice and comprehensive proposal streamlined the setup process.
