Stanley Ambulance Has A New Rig In Service
Stanley’s Ambulance Service has new unit on the road this Spring. They have replaced a 2013 unit with a new 2025 Ford F-450, the first four-wheel drive ambulance for the service. The replacement comes as the service looks towards both the quality of life and safety for the residents they serve and the crew that serves them. The new unit was delivered on March 3 of this year and has been used on at least fifty calls for service or transfers so far.
The unit they replaced is the last generation of ambulances that had the boxes manufactured with plywood and then the structure was secured with the installed cabinets. The new ambulance is constructed with lightweight aluminum and steel, which increases protection in the event of a crash. There is also increased safety with airbags installed along the crew seating and throughout the back of the ambulance.
While the new unit may have less cabinet spaces built in, they are better designed for use. Less cabinetry also provides more room for emergency services personnel to better serve the patient. It also decreases the amount of things put in the cabinets, eliminating some excesses and creating logistical efficiency. Staff note that it still seems like they have more storage space.
The new ambulance also has better quality lighting both inside and outside of the unit. The lighting in the back can be dimmed or adjusted in color to provide better comfort for the patient. The exterior lights are also brighter providing more visibility while on the road and better lighting if the crew needs it while attending to an emergency.
The new unit also brings all of the modern technology and features that most car owners take for granted. It has lane assist, 360 degree cameras, new touch screens to activate all of the necessary communications and devices. They were able to streamline and integrate many of the equipment items, meaning that connecting wires are hidden and secured. Equipment, including the tablets, are also now better secured. This unit also has a built-in internet router and antenna, eliminating the use of hot spots for connectivity. It also provides for 24/7 connectivity.
The new ambulance provides a smoother ride and the crew says that adding four-wheel drive will be nice. Ambulances have gotten stuck in the past as they are not able to avoid travel during inclement weather conditions.
This new ambulance came at a cost of $335,000, but was paid for by Mountrail County using the funds they have set aside to help emergency service providers throughout the county.
The new ambulance also has redesigned graphics on the outside of the unit. That includes recognition of the contribution by Mountrail County and graphics for 988 project lifeline on the back.
The service has ordered replacements for the other two units, including an older Ford and an International. These units are also being funded by Mountrail County. The standard order to delivery date for a new ambulance is 900 plus days. They anticipate the arrival of the next ambulance to be in the summer of next year.
As they move forward, the service is also starting to replace and upgrade the equipment in all of the ambulances including cardiac monitors and stretchers. This new technology will also be important for the safety and quality of life for the patients they serve.
National EMS week starts on Monday, May 18. The Stanley Ambulance Service will be serving burgers and hotdogs provided by Bravera Bank on Thursday, May 21 starting at 11 a.m. This would be a good time for the public to check out all of the upgrades being done to better serve the residents within their service district.