A new method is being used by Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services to extend the life of its ambulance fleet.
Officials say remounting ambulance boxes onto new chassis has helped the department save money, reduce waste and add reliable vehicles to the fleet much more quickly.
The first two remounts have been completed, and plans are in place to remount five more ambulances by the end of 2026.
Officials say this approach focuses on sustainability and avoids replacing entire ambulances when their chassis wears out. Instead, LFES reuses the ambulance boxes that remain in good condition. Officials say they creates a “like-new” vehicle that meets all the standards needed for emergency response.
“Remounting is a win-win for the department and the community,” says Chris Tomaras, Deputy Chief of Operations for LFES.
“It costs much less than buying new ambulances, reduces waste and helps us stay sustainable. This lets us keep our fleet modern and save taxpayer money.”
The cost of a new ambulance is about $282,000 and remounting saves about $88,000 oer vehicle, according to LFES. Officials note that the saved money can go toward other department needs, like upgrading ambulance equipment.
“The savings have helped us buy specialized equipment, like power stretchers,” says Mike Humphrey, EMS Operations Officer for LFES. “These stretchers make it safer for our crews and improve the care we give to patients.”
SUPPLY CHAIN DELAYS
Remounting also helps deal with supply chain delays caused by the pandemic.
“It can take up to three years to build a new ambulance, but remounting shortens that time by about a year,” says Melissa Davies, Fleet Procurement and Lease Coordinator with the City of Lethbridge. “This lets us put safe and reliable ambulances on the road much faster.”
LFES adds remounting is good for the environment, as manufacturing new boxes requires a lot of energy and materials, such as steel, aluminum and plastic. Reusing the ambulance box and only replacing the chassis reduces waste, which keeps materials out of landfills.
“This is about more than saving money. It’s about making smarter choices for the environment and the people we serve,” says Raene Barber, Sustainability Engineer with the City of Lethbridge.
Crestline, a Saskatoon-based company, did the remount work. Before returning the units to service, they ensured that the ambulances met all safety and regulatory standards.
