Peoria-based Advanced Medical Transport has four new so-called ‘concept’ ambulances on the road in Peoria and Pekin. The trucks are outfitted with at least 76 different safety standards for patients, caregivers and the public near an emergency medical response site.
Kelly Walsh is the Senior Nurse Manager of Clinical Quality Improvement for AMT. She says the new ambulances were designed by the CEO and staff of Advance Medical Transport over about a year, taking into account newest safety standards and medical considerations.
The trucks have a blue and white block paint job, special lights for night scenes and curbside truck access for the safety of EMTs. The trucks also have new mechanical chest compression devices and are independent wi-fi hotspots to ensure communication with hospitals.
But the one aspect most people will likely notice most is the rumblers that will run with the sirens. That allows motorists and pedestrians to not only hear the sirens, but also feel the sound vibration. The patients and ambulance care team however don’t feel the rumblers. The diesel rigs are also more eco-friendly, outfitted with rooftop solar panels to reduce idle time and emissions.
Three of the concept trucks are working in Peoria and one is in Pekin. They’ve been in operation for about a month. But they’re only run during the day right now because of some matters related the solar panels.
The new trucks make up a total fleet of 48 AMT ambulances.
The custom fit ambulances cost roughly $40,000 more than the standard ambulance with a general cost of about $210,000.
In addition to Peoria and Pekin AMT serves Chillicothe, Streator, Kewanee, Aledo, Quad Cities and Iowa City.