New Ambulances an Investment in Safety

The front cab area has plenty of storage, with compartments located throughout. The flares, helmets, vest and four sizes of gloves are all located in the cab, which also has an extra set of straps to help secure personal belongings. There are map and clipboard holders, as well as a heads-up display for main controls. The unit is also equipped with an antitheft device.

The lighting, controlled by a Demers multiplex system, reduces the normal ambulance wiring by over 70 lbs. and also allows for easy electrical diagnostics, reducing maintenance costs and out-of-service time. The unit's exterior bears high-conspicuity markings for visibility on the road. When the LED emergency lighting is activated, it makes the unit highly recognizable, providing additional safety on scenes. The rear compartment even has a light bar inside for when the rear doors are open.

The unit also comes equipped with standard features such as outside temperature gauge and running boards with holes in them, allowing snow and slush to drain through. We added features such as a rear-vision camera, rear bumper sensors and the Acetech AVI (auto vehicle informatics) component. This unit also has a rear loading height of less than 19 inches to reduce risk of provider back injury.

By April, Island EMS will have five new type II Mercedes Mirage EX Sprinter ambulances built by Demers. It will be the first service in Canada to implement the Sprinter. Demers won a 2010 Top Innovation Award from EMS World for this model.

Medavie EMS and its group of companies are committed to providing innovative healthcare solutions through caring professionals, while continually working to improve and build on their foundation of safety. Our goal is to keep our healthcare providers, patients and members of the public safe.

Matt Crossman is manager of safety operations for Medavie EMS.