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Robin Kuniski /metro calgary
Stuart Brideaux, EMT-P Public Education Officer Emergency Medical Services, explains the new safety features that are installed on the improved EMS vans that will be used in the city.
Its rear-view mirror has been replaced with a real-time audio capable video screen.
Five-point harnesses, “that make you feel like a fighter pilot,” have been installed along with more handrails and increased instrument stability and Calgary EMS chief Tom Sampson said the city’s cutting edge ambulance design should make the job of saving lives much safer.
“Often times, we’re going to motor vehicle collisions and we’re always asking our patients, ‘were you buckled up,’” said Sampson, pointing to two ambulance roll-overs in the past year and several injuries on the job forced EMS to take a fresh look at their fleet.
“And the ironic part is, many of the times, we’re asking our paramedics who transport those very people from motor vehicle collisions in the back of an ambulance who aren’t buckled up because they have to provide care.”
The new ambulance, the first of its kind in North America, cost $24,000 for development, split down the middle with manufacturer Demers Ambulance in Quebec.
It will cost $180,000 before being fitted with all the necessary life-saving equipment.
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