From Niles FD facebook
Earlier this morning, a brand new ambulance was put in-service replacing Ambulance 3 which was nine years old and had over 125,000 miles on it. Our new Ambulance 3 has cutting edge suspension which will allow for a smoother ride for those transported in the patient compartment. Thanks to all those NFD members who worked tirelessly to bring Ambulance 3 from concept to fruition.
Niles FD photo
Niles FD photo
Niles FD photo
thanks Danny
#1 by ttguy on June 28, 2024 - 10:02 AM
It appears that the step is at the height that it is so that the battery tray can be rolled out. If this were a 4×4 chassis, the ground clearance would be increased.
#2 by Martin on June 27, 2024 - 12:31 PM
Mabas21: I was able to check it out in person and I agree with you that it seemed too low. But climbing in and out of it wasn’t bad at all. I feel the step could have been at least 2-3 inches higher without an issue.
#3 by ttguy on June 27, 2024 - 11:05 AM
Interesting comment, “It’s just an ambulance”. While EMS may be the vain of many fire chiefs and others, the monthly income derived from providing EMS services is what keeps many F.D.s afloat these days. In some communities, that ambulance is easily paid for in a matter of months. Some Chiefs have even admitted that providing EMS has kept their department from going the way of the dinosaur. There often isn’t much money to be made in a “to serve and reset” world.
#4 by MABAS 21 on June 27, 2024 - 9:13 AM
Those running boards appear in the pics to look awfully close to the ground. Hopefully they don’t get ripped off during the winter months.
#5 by Mike on June 27, 2024 - 8:00 AM
This should work for them. Not as big as the International or freightliners but bigger than the ford and dodges. Hopefully the ride isn’t too harsh. I know Milwaukee and rolling meadows have some of these.
#6 by Mike C on June 27, 2024 - 7:04 AM
I feel for the ‘NFD members who worked tirelessly’. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into this ambulance but working tirelessly? It’s just an ambulance.
#7 by Martin on June 26, 2024 - 11:48 PM
It’s not bad getting in and out of one of these. The side step makes it look weird.
#8 by hawks66 on June 26, 2024 - 3:22 PM
Love that the suspension makes it’s a smoother ride but would hate to have to get in and out of that thing 20 plus times a day.