-Press Release-
For Immediate Release
August 11, 2008
Contact: Randy Isaman, Assistant Chief
West Covina Fire Department
(626) 338-8800

WEST COVINA FIRE DEPARTMENT NEW AMBULANCE
WEST COVINA, CA - The West Covina Fire Department is proud to showcase its new Type-1 modular ambulance, which was placed into service on August 8, 2008. The new Modular Type-1 ambulance is the first in the department's transition from the smaller, aging Type-2 Van ambulances offering improved reliability, enhanced storage, and improved firefighter/paramedic capabilities emphasizing effective patient treatment and transport.

Approved by the West Covina City Council in January 2008, the new 2008 North Star modular ambulance was manufactured by Braun Northwest in Chehalis, Washington, and offers several enhancements designed to improve overall performance. The new modular ambulance is significantly larger and can accommodate up to three patients laying down, offering optimal room for effective patient treatment and care. Increased compartment and storage space helps to eliminate potential cross-contamination, often a concern with the older Type-II vans. By maintaining a separation of firefighter equipment and protective gear from patient treatment areas, there is a reduced chance of exposing patients to contaminants found on the firefighting gear and less potential of exposing firefighter protective clothing to blood and bodily fluids from sick and injured patients transported to the hospital.

The new North Star ambulance is designed with the new Ford 6.4 liter diesel engine, which has significant increased reliability and performance over the 6.0liter ambulance engines found in the current Type II, van ambulances. "It is the goal of the department to begin the transition to the new Type I ambulances, replacing our current fleet of smaller, less efficient, van-type rescue ambulances," said Assistant Chief Randy Isaman, adding, "the new modular ambulance is a welcome relief to the firefighter/paramedics who have been directly affected by the aging ambulance fleet."

The West Covina Fire Department will be showcasing the new ambulance to the public and the media on August 14, 2008, at Fire Station No. 2 located at 2441 E. Cortez Avenue, West Covina, California. Starting at 2:00 p.m., both the new Type-1 Modular Ambulance and an older Type-2 Van Ambulance will be available to showcase the vast improvements, which enhance safety and service to the citizens of West Covina.

For Further Information, please contact West Covina Fire Administration at (626) 338.8800.

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