From Martin Nowak:
Recently I did some ER time at Palos Hospital and stepped out to see Chicago Ridge new International Terrastar ambulance. At the time of this photo (Thursday night) it was in service for only two days. I also attached a photo of the former 6502 – 1996 Ford F-350/ Aurora Truck Type 1.
New Chicago Ridge ambulance. Martin Nowak photo
Old Chicago Ridge ambulance. Martin Nowak photo
#1 by Robert on May 17, 2014 - 3:18 PM
The Ford was out of 1
#2 by The DH on May 17, 2014 - 2:28 PM
Martin, you just reiterated everything I said in different wording. The self-loading systems are really awesome
#3 by Shane on May 17, 2014 - 1:58 PM
Martin those are called the self loading cots. I believe gurnees newest ambulance have those also.
#4 by Martin Nowak on May 17, 2014 - 11:55 AM
DH, the Ford was the departments reserve ambulance. Calls were handled by both Internationals until the new one came in. I believe one of the two is in reserve status now. Last time I’ve been by the HQ station, all three Internationals were inside.
#5 by The DH on May 17, 2014 - 10:57 AM
The former 6502 was not there last front-line rig. I believe 6502, until the new one, was kept at the POC station. I believe 6512, an International was what they ran in frontline until the new rig came. I believe 6522 was the back-up, another International.
#6 by Martin Nowak on May 17, 2014 - 10:46 AM
Oh yeah that is a big upgrade. The box on the old is like the size of the cab on this. I wonder if they still have it to get a picture of the old with the new. Plus there is a device (that holds the stretcher in place) it slides out and will help lift the Cot into the ambulance. I’ve never seen it, but I was told some area departments have it.
#7 by Fartin' Fred on May 17, 2014 - 10:26 AM
I would say that’s QUITE an upgrade. If the old 1 were any older, it would be drawn by horses.
#8 by Robert on May 17, 2014 - 3:17 PM
I believe it was Martin who had a picture of the old one behind a 2008 Ford F-450 and you can see the size difference of the module on both units as well for the cabs.