West End Ambulance in Johnstown recently bought a set of new ramps for its box ambulance truck. The new ramps and hardware cost $8,000. They can hold more weight and are easier to set up and take down.
West End Ambulance Manager Ira Hart said they use the old ramps every day, so it was about time to invest in new gear.
“We needed to upgrade. They’re easier to use. They’re safer. There are no pinch points on them like there are on the other ones. They telescope out. Makes it much easier for the crew to set up,” said Hart, West End Ambulance Manager.
First responders hope to install the new ramps and the hardware by Friday.
The new ramps will also keep both EMS workers and patients safer. They have reflective lights and are smoother when pulling patients in and out of the ambulance.
“Our cot that we have has wheels on the bottom of it, so we’ll just wheel it back in. The old ramps were a little bowed from use. So it’s going to benefit us that way,” said Eric Reitler, an EMT.
Hart is currently looking for funding to eventually buy a new box ambulance truck. He said they won’t miss a beat when they do get a new truck, now that they have the new ramps.
“It’s equipment we need to do. Our goal is to be able to provide the highest quality pre-hospital services we can. That’s part of what we do. So we have to keep moving forward with technology and equipment, so it’s money well spent,” said Hart.