It’s that time of the year again when Superior North EMS looks to replace some ambulances.
Chief Wayne Gates tells us they are looking for manufacturers to bid on a contract for five new vehicles, a deal that’ll cover a five year period.
“We like to do that, because that ensures a steady, consistent supply of the same type of vehicle. It usually gives us good pricing too, if the vender knows they can supply us for the following five years,” says Gates.
The Superior North EMS Chief adds to date, Crestline out of Saskatchewan has been the supplier for the 38 vehicle fleet.
As for the price tag, he says it’s currently about $135,000 per vehicle. “They’re definitely not cheap, and they have gone up over the years. We don’t have cost in yet of what these new units will be. We expect them to be a little bit higher with COVID and everything going on, but we don’t know yet.”
The final five year contract is paid between the city and provincial governments.
“In Canada my understanding is there’s only two, there maybe a third company, that actually meet the Ontario standards for ambulances. There’s not a lot that can bid on this type of product,” says Gates.
The EMS Chief adds even though an ambulance is well built, they recycle them after six to nine years, with transmissions being a common part that wears out.
