By reusing the old box, the Newton Fire Department saved nearly $100,000 when replacing its ambulance. The department had its old ambulance box remounted onto a new vehicle. According to logistics division chief, Joe Martin, this recycling practice is common among departments. “Remounts have come a long way,” Martin said. “It’s becoming an industry norm as budgets don’t keep up with inflation.” Martin said the department was particularly excited by the addition of a power load system to the ambulance. The power load system manually lifts and lowers the stretcher so they don’t have to pick up everyone being loaded into the ambulance. The devices are installed in all the first-out ambulances, according to Martin. The vehicles typically run on seven-year cycles, and Martin said the old vehicle had engine problems, making the department due for a new vehicle. The ambulance has a new design, and Martin said the department was able to save money by using vinyl graphics rather than painting the vehicles. Martin said he knows some departments recycle boxes three or four times, but Newton plans to only reuse them once before replacing them with all-new ambulances to avoid boxes getting too old. Martin added that the department planned to use this remounting method on all its ambulances.
Source: Harvey County Now
