The new ambulances feature larger patient compartments, which allows

more than one paramedic and EMT to work on a patient at one time with

room on both side of the stretcher, officials said.

The new ambulances also have enhanced safety features to protect the

patient compartment in the event of an auto accident.

The department also received many complaints about the rough rides in

older ambulances, but the new ambulance offers a better ride, officials

said.

The department's ambulance fleet is now standardized; five years

ago, the department had four different "brands" of ambulances,

which made maintenance difficult. It was also hard for paramedics and

EMTs to find equipment quickly when crews transferred between the various

ambulances, officials said.

The new ambulances also have more storage area for equipment and supplies

including firefighting "bunker" gear that all personnel must

carry. All paramedics and EMTs are also expected to perform duties at

fire calls.

The ambulances come with a 20-year warranty for the patient compartment,

meaning it can be switched to another chassis when the present vehicles

wear out. That will save thousands of dollars in replacement costs, officials

said.

The ambulance model used by Peachtree City is manufactured by Road Rescue,

Inc. and was bought from a distributor in Tyrone.

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