New Ambulances Equipped with Air Filtration Systems

New ambulances equipped with air filtration systems to protect patients and paramedics will soon be on the road in Windsor and Essex County.

Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has seven new ambulances outfitted with ultraviolet-light air filtration systems and increased space for storing personal protective equipment.

“These additions to our new ambulances were made with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind. The UV air filtration system will help protect our patients and paramedics from airborne pathogens,” said Chris Grant, Essex-Windsor EMS Deputy Chief, planning and physical resources.

Other upgrades include:

• Easy access to interior cabinets for restocking;
• Electronics in the front cab to assist the driver with controlling items in the rear of the vehicle:
• The relocation of patient care and immobilization equipment to the curb side of the vehicle, making medical bags accessible from the outside;
• Extra head room in the patient compartment;
• A patient condition notification system; and
• A Koolatron fridge for staff lunches.

Grant credited the service’s material management team for stocking and configuring the ambulances, so they could be put into service as quickly as possible.

The vehicles were purchased in 2021. Essex-Windsor EMS replaces part of its 39-ambulance fleet every year and has approval to purchase seven more new ambulances in 2022.

The ambulances purchased in 2022 and the future will also have UV air filtration systems and other enhancements added to the 2021 models, said Grant.