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Vehicles
The vehicles used by Hastings-Quinte EMS consist of 4 Emergency Response Units, 17 Paramedic Ambulances, one Emergency Support Unit, one Emergency Support Trailer (specially equipped for HAZMAT and Decontamination supplies) and one maintenance and supply vehicle. All of our Paramedic Ambulances are modular types. The modular units provide for a great deal of room in the back for optimal patient care. Most of these units are single stretcher Ambulances, but in the event of major incidents, the bench seat can also carry a second portable stretcher, so there is additional capacity.
The Emergency Response Units are SUVs and they are fully equipped with all emergency equipment and supplies required by the Ministry of Health. They are usually staffed by supervisors or management staff, although they can and do make regular responses to certain calls. These units do not transport patients, and when dispatched to a call, they are always backed-up by a Paramedic Ambulance.
Our preventative maintenance program meets or exceeds the required standards for safety and efficiency.
A Global Positioning Satellite System and Auto-Vehicle Location (AVL/GPS) application is installed on our units to allow our supervisors and dispatch staff to manage our resources and vehicle deployment with a model that provides up-to-the minute accuracy and the ability to locate addresses quickly. This is complemented by the addition of on-board lap-top computers in the vehicles with wireless technology that permits the crews to access a digital map display in real-time, further optimizing rapid response capability.
Every Paramedic Ambulance is stocked and in the same manner and exceeds Ministry of Health requirements. Equipment bags are also standardized relative to the certification level for the Paramedics assigned to the vehicle.
Hastings-Quinte EMS presently utilizes the Life Pack 12 Monitor defibrillator. All Paramedics are able to utilize semi-automatic defibrillation, 12-Lead electrocardiogram, cardiac monitoring, non-invasive blood pressure and oxygen saturation monitoring. Advanced Care Paramedics can additionally perform manual defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion, external transcutaneous pacing and waveform capnography.
For more information on the defibrillator/monitor click here.
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