Harris County Emergency Services District No. 11 received the first of 40 new state-of-the-art ambulances to serve the district’s new ambulance service, ESD 11 Mobile Healthcare, officials announced in an Aug. 3 news release.
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.
