From the Wheels Up: Road Rescue Introduces Redesigned Ambulance Line at FDIC

New Technology, Innovative Features Among 40+ Improvements to Product Line

MARION, S.C., April 23 -- Road Rescue will introduce a complete redesign of its line of custom ambulances at the emergency-rescue industry's largest trade show, which opens today.

Road Rescue, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. , will showcase more than 40 improvements, including new technology and innovative features, on its line of Ultramedic(R), Promedic(R) and Duramedic(R) ambulances. The redesign features enhancements in five key areas: module, doors, systems, appearance and hardware.

Three redesigned ambulances will be on display at Booth 2432 during the Fire Department Instructors Conference, which runs through April 25 in Indianapolis, Ind.

"For the past year, the best minds in the ambulance industry have been working on an extensive 're-design' for our product line," said Gary DeCosse, president of Road Rescue. "While most ambulance manufacturers come to FDIC with one or two new features on their ambulances, our redesign incorporates more than 40 improvements to our entire product line. These are truly new vehicles - from the wheels up.

"We have made extensive enhancements to improve vehicle safety and functionality. The result is a stronger, more durable and sleeker ambulance that will enable EMTs to be more efficient and effective when working on patients during transport."

  Road Rescue's new ambulance features:

  --  Significant improvements to the module, including:
      --  New crash-rail fender ring system that is more impact absorbent. 
          The new system, which features an extruded rubber crash rail, does
          not require fasteners and simply snaps on the vehicle body.  In
          the event of an accident, the system is more easily repaired or
          replaced in the field.
      --  Redesigned roof-radius extrusion with triple-wall construction
          that is substantially stronger and exceeds the new KKK vehicle
          standards.
  --  New exterior doors featuring a double-box, pan-formed composite
      construction with a hidden hinge that delivers a lighter, stronger and
      more durable door.  The composite construction improves vehicle
      insulation and reduces road noise.  The hidden hinge is protected from
      the elements as well as a cleaner overall appearance.
  --  Improvements to the vehicle systems, including:
      --  A refinement of the patient-centric concept introduced at FDIC in
          2008 that standardizes the overhead equipment mounts and reduces
          their profile to deliver more working room for EMTs.  The new
          designs also feature a rail system that provides a central point
          for medical equipment and improved lighting.
      --  An innovative new interior outlet rail system patterned after
          those utilized by hospitals to consolidate outlets into a
          convenient location that can be field adjusted when procedures
          change.
      --  A refined central air system that realigns vent locations to
          improve airflow and efficiency whether heating or cooling the
          vehicle.  The overall look is also cleaner.
  --  Enhancements to the interior and exterior appearance of the vehicle. 
      Exterior upgrades include a shift to chrome handles, flanges, crash
      rails, trim and housing.  Interior improvements include the use of
      lighter and more soothing colors, stainless steel accents and improved
      trim options.

  --  Hardware upgrades throughout the vehicle that enhance ease of
      cleaning, restocking and overall functionality.

"In many ways, it's what you won't see in this redesign that matters the most," DeCosse said. "More than half of all the improvements and innovations are incorporated into the build process, further enhancing our industry position as a leader in quality and safety.

"Our new ambulance line incorporates new materials and new processes that will allow us to improve the efficiency of our production line and reduce order-to-delivery times. From major structural changes down to simple hardware changes, we have developed a truly innovative vehicle that delivers improved performance."