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HCMC
EMS has a fleet of 28 vehicles:
- 19 - Type III (modular/van) ALS Ambulances, built
by Road Rescue Inc.
- 3
Medical Director's Vehicles (3 Chevrolet Impala's)
- 1 Directors
Vehicle (Ford Tarus)
- 2 EMS Supervisor Vehicle's (Yukon XL, Chevrolet
Suburban)
- Chevrolet Van (Supply and Support)
- Golf Cart (w/ trailer, Special Event Support)
- 12' Disaster/MCI
Trailer
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ALS Ambulances:
HCMC's 19 ALS ambulances are Road Rescue Type
III units on Ford Chassis. The newest version is built on the Ford E450
Superduty
Chassis, with a 7.3L Diesel Engine. Perhaps the most notable feature
on the HCMC ambulances is the dual full-length squad benches. This allows
for up to 3 patients requiring stretcher or backboard, or up to 7 ambulatory
patients (with 1 lying on the stretcher). This decreases the number of
ambulances needed on multiple patient calls. In addition, this space
gives
paramedics and first responders plenty of working room when dealing
with the critical patient. Another, less visible feature of HCMC ambulances
is the liquid oxygen system. In 1993, HCMC EMS was the first agency to
purchase the Companion 21 EMT. Over the years, Puritan Bennet has stopped
producing Liquid Oxygen systems for EMS, as have most other manufacturers.
HCMC's newest ambulances are designed to continue using LOX as long as
the systems are functional, but are also equipped to install dual "M" cylinders
quickly, should the need arise.
Fleet Photos:
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1. This
view of the interior shows the center-mount Stryker
Rugged (tm) cot, and dual full-length squad benches. The white canvas
litter shown on the cot is used for transferring patients on and off
of
the cot, or to place litter patients on the benches. This device has
been used by the department for over 100 years. Portable equipment
is stored in the large cabinet on the right. This cabinet is also accessible
from the exterior
of the truck. The cardiac monitors used by HCMC are the Zoll Series M.
These monitors are 12 lead capable and have the option to monitor
SPO2 and
End tidal CO2.
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2. Accessable
on the street-side, all HCMC units use a 21 liter portable Liquid Oxygen
(LOX) system. This unit holds the equivalent of 5 'M' Cylinders of
oxygen,
and is refillable without removing it from the truck. On the shelves
above are safety helmets, reflective vests, and sand material (for
icy sidewalks...a genuine Minnesota threat).
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3. The
HCMC EMS primary command vehicle is a 2002 GMC Yukon
XL. It has a full length pull out unit that contains a variety
of equipment that may be needed for first-in crews of major
incidents,
as well as minor repair equipment (including jumper-cables). The supervisor's
vehicle carries full Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment.
For more information:
Martin Van Buren, Director
Hennepin County Medical Center EMS
701 Park Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415-1829
e-mail: martin.vanburen@hcmed.org
phone: (612) 873-2172
fax: (612) 904-4605 |
