Province signs contract to lease nearly 150 new ambulances

In addition to the new vehicles, the government also recently announced EHS is hiring 100 more transport operators to handle routine patient transfers

CITYnews halifax \ Steve Gow

Halifax residents may soon see a fleet of new ambulances on the streets.

Nova Scotia announced today that they have signed a 10-year contract  worth $48.8 million with Tri-Star Industries to lease 146 new ambulances that are expected to be in service in August.

The province says the addition will help to ensure the right mix of resources to improve emergency care and relieve pressure on paramedics and the emergency health system.

“In an emergency, Nova Scotians want high-quality ambulances that are well-equipped and safe,” says Nova Scotia Health and Wellness Minister, Michelle Thompson in a news release. “The mix of vehicles is based on call volume and type and will ensure we are using our resources efficiently so Nova Scotians can get the care they need more quickly.”

The fleet of nearly 150 ambulances will have such new features as power loaders and power stretchers to assist paramedics with lifting patients as well as increased cabin space to make a paramedic’s job easier.

The new ambulances were designed with input from paramedics to ensure they are ergonomically designed for increased efficiency and safety.

Under the agreement with Tri-Star, the Province will also expand the Emergency Health Services (EHS) fleet of patient transfer units and single-paramedic response units, which are used for patients experiencing minor illness.

According to the news release, the number of those vehicles is yet to be determined.