CHS Healthcare has taken delivery and placed its 6th ambulance in-service for use in responding to emergencies. The new ambulance, 6199, was purchased from Gorman Emergency Vehicles and is a 2011 Ford Marque Ambulance. The addition of the new ambulance brings CHS Healthcare’s total fleet to 10 vehicles.

“Much like the other ambulances in the fleet, 6199 was designed with crew and patient safety as a priority,” says Deputy Chief Jim Bucci. Alongside the bench seat is a shelf for the Philips MRx cardiac monitor, a laptop mount & keyboard, and a custom-designed drawer for quick access to commonly used supplies (IV, fluid, aspirin, nitroglycerin). Additionally, cabin controls and communications hardware are easily accessed from the bench seat including radios, heat/AC, lights & more. The intent is to allow crew members to remain seated and safely seat belted whenever possible during the transport.

The ambulance features a fluid & blanket warmer, medication refrigerator and a new controlled substances safe which requires badge ID access by the paramedic in conjunction with a unique PIN. The ALS storage cabinet also features a new access mechanism requiring the swipe of an authorized crew member badge ID. The outside of 6199 features LED lights including amber & blue in the rear, “chevron” stripes, and a sliding passenger side door for safe exit/entry from the vehicle.

“CHS Healthcare continues to grow as an agency, both in terms of call volume (911 responses) and as a presence in the community,” says Chris Murtaugh, Public Information Officer. “We are doing more and more community events and also contract to provide EMS services for a number of local events. Adding the additional vehicle to our fleet will allow us to consistently serve the community and prepare for future growth.”