Manitoba's Crestline Fleetmax ambulance fleet

Provincial Fleet Ambulance Program Replacement Complete The Manitoba government has completed the replacement of fleet ambulances across the province. The fleet was replaced over a period of five years, with 60 ambulances purchased in 2001 and 80 more purchased between 2002 and 2005. The current fleet ambulance program was developed in 2001 to provide the safest-possible fleet of ambulances by introducing ambulance standards and reducing purchase and vehicle operation costs. View the June 19, 2006 News Release here

Management of the ambulance fleet of will be done by the Fleet Vehicles Agency (FLEET), a Special Operating Agency of Manitoba Transportation and Government Services.  Operating costs for the managed fleet, including fuel, maintenance and repairs will be provided by Manitoba Health.

The Crestline "Fleetmax" vehicle was selected through a tendering process based on specifications developed by joint committee of the Regional EMS Directors and Manitoba Health.  Primary considerations in the design specifications were to ensure a vehicle capable of meeting the needs of Manitoba’s developing Regional EMS System, while showing innovation in enhancing crew, patient and passenger safety.

The Fleetmax vehicle is a new design by Crestline Coach that incorporates many of their existing engineering innovations, in an intermediate size range.  This vehicle boasts a dramatically increased payload compared to the existing Manitoba fleet, from an estimated average of about 1200 lb, to a minimum of 2200 lbs.  This is accompanied by an improved ride quality by employing the longer 158" wheelbase, Ford E350 Chassis.  The increased payload should significantly improve braking ability, reduce wear to brakes, suspension and steering systems components, and improve vehicle handling.  Physically, this vehicle is approximately mid-range in size between Crestline Coach Ltd.’s popular compact NuEra model, and the Ford E450 based Pro-Medic.

Safety Innovations

Other safety innovations featured in these vehicles include significantly increased cab space, offering a full 12" of space behind the cab seats when in the full rear position.  This allows the seats to recline at 30 degrees plus, to ease back strain to staff when in the vehicle for long periods.  

(Note: Manitoba vehicles will retain cab walkthrough)

Passive Restraints

Safety netting has been installed at the forward end of the squad bench as a passive restraint system to ensure that personnel are not catapulted into the bulkhead in a sudden deceleration.  All sharp corners have been either broken with a large radius, or have padded bolsters, including padding protecting the staff from the rear door locking pins.  Flooring installed in the vehicles is a non-slip, bacteriostatic type.  Upholstery in the rear of the vehicle is all seamless, vacuum formed vinyl to minimize pathogen transmission.

Lifting height for cot loading is lowered in the E350 long wheelbase and is among the lowest in the industry.

Equipment "kit" storage on four large, secured shelves.

Lighting

A new, high intensity emergency lighting system has been incorporated into a front and rear lightbar.  This lighting incorporates both high intensity halogen, and a multiflash strobe pattern that will substantially increase visibility in all night and daylight conditions.  In addition, risk of rear end collision to ambulances should be reduced by the implementation of an automatic switch over to a high intensity, amber flash pattern at the rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is placed in "Park" with the flashers activated.

Turn signals, tail lights and clearance lights are provided in a new "LED" format that promises both greater reliability and higher visibility.  An additional benefit of this lighting system is significantly reduced electrical draw.

Storage

Ample equipment storage space is provided in a number of compartments with both internal and external access.  Space in cabinets is provided for several backboards, an orthopedic stretcher, stair chair, up to four portable oxygen tanks, and other bulky items.  In addition, specialized storage is provided for heavy tools and equipment, heated internal locked medications cabinet, a defibrillator shelf and a kit tree located conveniently to the rear door.  Medical cabinet space is also significantly increased from traditional ambulance vehicles.