HONOLULU (KHON2) — A major upgrade is hitting the streets of Oahu – and it could mean the difference between life and death.
The city today unveiled a new fleet of ambulances, giving first responders the tools they need to save lives.
The next time someone says, “call an ambulance,” it’s one of the 17 new emergency response vehicles that will likely show up.
“Never in our history have we had this new of a fleet,” said Jim Ireland, Department of Emergency Services Director.
A blessing ceremony was held to mark the arrival of 14 new EMS ambulances, two Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (C.O.R.E.) units, and a Specialized Community Medicine (SCM) ambulance bus.
“This is more than a bunch of trucks. This is about the real stuff, when life gets really scary and people really need help,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
“You can just see the placards as you go down and look at all the ambulances. Pretty much every community on this island is touched,” said Ireland.
Of the fleet, six are brand new, eight ambulances are remounted, which saved the city money. Four of the ambulances come with four-wheel drive. All 14 ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, optimized storage and safety layouts. The rigs also have decals on the backdoors stating to stay back 500 feet, which is state law.
But even the best equipment means little without trained people to run it, which the EMS Director says is a challenge that is turning around.
“Staffing is great. We just had a big hire, we 17 new EMTs. We have about 24 new recruits starting in July so staffing is the best it’s been in literally about 15 years,” said Ireland.
Director Ireland says the new ambulances also address burnout by improving working conditions and reducing the volume of calls per ambulance.
“I think the key moving forward is we need less calls per ambulance, especially the downtown units that are running 12, 14, 16 calls in a 12 hour shift,” said Ireland. “So everything helps, but having a brand new ambulance is one of the things we need to do.”
Ireland praised the city for investing in public safety. He says in the next six months, eight more ambulances are being delivered and the additions mean more coverage for the island.