Fleet

Wake County EMS has a fleet of more than 30 ambulances and other response vehicles. All EMS vehicles operate with a replacement cycle to maximize usage while keeping state-of-the-art technologies on the street. The primary-response units are Type-III modular units on Ford E-450 chassis. These chassis feature cab extensions for crew comfort.

During the spring of 2009, Wake County added five medium-duty class ambulances to the fleet. These units, built by Wheeled Coach on Freightliner M2 chassis, will feature a larger-module, improved compartment space for added storage as well as a redesigned interior with many safety improvements. One of the medium-duty units will be equipped with a rear hydraulic liftgate to accommodate the safe loading and transport of bariatric patients.

All ambulances feature equipment such as back-up cameras and Federal electronic mechanical sirens. In January 2008, all ambulances were outfitted with Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) equipment that will allow the dispatch center to dispatch the closest available unit to incidents. This equipment includes an integrated application for navigation and routing. Check out the attached article from JEMS regarding our vehicle safety initiatives, available as a link on this page.

The EMS district chiefs operate Chevrolet Suburbans as quick-response vehicles. These units are outfitted with pull-out trays in the rear to facilitate easy access to the cache of equipment stored on-board. The District Chief vehicles are also equipped with the AVL system.

       

In spring 2007, Wake County EMS acquired, via funding from Homeland Security, the Major Operations Support vehicle – known locally as Truck 1. This vehicle, built by Hackney Emergency Vehicles on a Sterling Acterra chassis, is equipped for response to multiple-patient incidents, provide responder rehabilitation, and to support EMS Special Operations missions.