The district will take over providing emergency medical services across more than 177 square miles of north Harris County, currently being provided by Cypress Creek Emergency Medical Services, beginning Sept. 1.
Each of the ambulances purchased by the district cost roughly $254,200, officials said.
ESD 11 noted the Ford F-450 Extra Cab vehicles are built with the safety of patients and crew in mind. Many of the features, including ground lighting, warning devices and exterior graphics, are aimed at increasing visibility.
Additional features installed in each ambulance include extra workspace for emergency medical technicians and paramedics to safely care for patients, larger cabins for patient safety and comfort, a Stryker Power-Load system that automatically lifts and loads patients, a hydraulic oxygen lift system that avoids the needs for EMTs or paramedics to lift heavy oxygen tanks into the vehicle, five-point restraints build into each seat and an integrated children's car seat built into the ambulance's rear-facing seat.
The ambulances also contain a hybrid gasoline and battery system that can operate on battery power while parked, which officials said will reduce fuel consumption and increase the lifespan of the vehicle.
ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare CEO Doug Hooten said he was confident in the new vehicles’ ability to service the district.
“These ambulances are pretty amazing,” Hooten said in a statement. “They are being built with every important safety and comfort detail in mind. We want residents of the district to rest easy that if they ever need emergency assistance, they will get the absolute very best the industry has to offer.”
ESD 11 will continue to receive shipments of four to five new ambulances every week until all have been received. When the new service launches Sept. 1, the district plans to operate a fleet of 10 geographically deployed ambulances in the service area daily, with 18 additional peak ambulances to cover demand, for a total of 28 ambulances available during peak hours, officials said.
“The feedback we have received from our new paramedics and EMTs has been incredibly positive,” Hooten said. “They are excited to have the opportunity to use this type of leading-edge technology to serve the community.”
