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Ground Ambulance
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The EHS ground operations fleet is comprised of the following purpose built vehicles:
Most of the type II and type III ambulance fleet is leased from Tri-Star Industries in Yarmouth, N.S. These vehicles are leased for a period of 3 years and are not kept in service beyond the 36 month lease period. Ambulances are purpose built, custom modified Ford E350 vans, powered by 7.3 turbo diesel engines. By using only one vehicle manufacturer (Ford chassis converted by Tri-Star), EHS is able to reduce inventory requirements for replacement parts, as well as develop expertise in repair and maintenance staff. Tri-Star is one of four certified Ford QVM (Qualified Vehicle Modifier) dealers in Canada, all ambulances are strictly manufactured to EHS and Tri Star specifications. Of the 130 ambulances in the fleet, only 106 are in service at peak time. Peak time for the assignment of unit hours (a unit hour is one fully equipped ambulance staffed with 2 paramedics) is Monday to Friday, 7am to 11pm. The minimum number of vehicles in service during the non-peak time is 78. In addition to the vehicles assigned to field service, extra vehicles are required to cover off for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, as well as service spares kept available for additional operational requirements (such as concerts and other special events requiring coverage), as well as response to disaster situations. The workhorse ambulance is the Type II , high-rise van type ambulance. Type II  116 Type II ambulances cover most of the 6 million kilometers per year on the ambulance fleet, while 12 Type III Critical Care Transport Units (CCTU' s) provide enhanced patient care capabilities and are assigned to the 7 Regional Hospitals in the province (Bridgewater, Yarmouth, Kentville, Truro, Amherst, New Glasgow and Antigonish). Two CCTU's are assigned to Industrial Cape Breton and 2 are assigned to the Metro Halifax area. One service spare vehicle is kept in reserve to cover scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. 
Type III  
CCTU
In 1998, EHS put its first Patient Transport Unit (PTU) in service in the Industrial Cape Breton area. This specialty vehicle is equipped to transfer up to five patients at a time. Typically, patients requiring a minimum of ongoing patient care are transported in PTU's. Patients requiring specialty care or more comprehensive care are transported in the Type II and CCTU ambulances. PTU
Three Ford Expedition vehicles are used for supervisory and clinical support purposes. These vehicles are assigned to Metro Halifax, Truro and Industrial Cape Breton. In Metro, a pilot project is underway where the vehicle is staffed by a senior Paramedic Level 3. This unit is equipped with all Advanced Life Support (ALS) equipment and is available 24 hours per day to provide rapid response to emergency situations, clinical support at significant accidents and clinical oversight/leadership to Paramedic Level 1 and 2 ambulances. Non-Emergency Vehicles Non-emergency vehicles support field activities and serve functions such as: -Materials management, equipment
transportation All system vehicles are maintained to standards that meet or exceed Ford and Tri-Star recommended standards. Minor maintenance is performed every 90 days or 6000 kilometers (which ever occurs first) and includes changing of fluids, inspection of all critical mechanical components and replacement of components before they are worn out. Major maintenance is performed every 40,000 kilometers or annually and includes a more comprehensive inspection, replacement and repair of all components. This major maintenance is a "bumper to bumper" checking of all vehicle components and systems. Replacement parts/components must be approved by the original manufacturer (Ford, Tri-Star), used or non-approved parts are not permitted. Only approved service centers are permitted to repair or service system vehicles. EHS vehicles are maintained in EHS Fleet Centers located in Sydney, Truro and Dartmouth. Ford Dealers are also approved for the repair and maintenance of system vehicles. Inspection Program A full time inspector is responsible to inspect vehicles, equipment, fleet centers and records to establish contractor compliance to vehicle and equipment standards. The inspector is a certified mechanic and has a comprehensive knowledge of the design, manufacture, use and maintenance of ambulance vehicles. Ambulances are inspected at 6 month intervals, random inspections are also performed periodically.  Supervisor vehicles are Ford Expedition or Explorer vehicles equipped to back up the ambulances in field operation. Supervisor vehicles do not transport patients, they carry back up equipment and allow system Supervisors to respond directly to scenes to provided clinical and operational leadership.  |
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Transport Vehicles
