Twin City Ambulance updates fleet with upgraded technology

Twin City Ambulance has put its new fleet on the road, replacing vehicles that had been in operation since 2005. The new ambulances are pictured in front of the Amherst Pepsi Center.

The Twin City Ambulance Corp. of Western New York launched its 2007 fleet of ambulances for the towns of Amherst and Clarence on May 31.

The new fleet replaces the ambulances that TCA placed in service in January 2005, the date it began its partnership with the Amherst and Clarence communities.

According to Thomas Maxian, chief executive officer and general counsel, TCA replaced its Amherst and Clarence fleet after only two-and-a-half years of service because of the number of miles the ambulances travel each year.

"Our ambulances accrue a great deal of mileage because they are always on the move," he said. "As part of our flexible deployment plan, we constantly rotate ambulances to strategic locations throughout Amherst and Clarence to ensure quick response times," he said.

The 2005 ambulances that formerly served Amherst and Clarence will now be used as "peak ambulances." Instead of being on the road 24 hours per day, those ambulances will operate on a limited basis during times of peak call volume.

"By limiting the amount of time ambulances are used on an around-the-clock basis, we are able to extend their service lives significantly," said TCA business manager Robert Orlowski. "We are extremely proactive with our ambulance replacement plan to ensure that our entire fleet is top notch."

TCA's new ambulances are equipped with several upgrades designed to make emergency operations safer. Dual electronic sirens and LED emergency lights are designed to give motorists advanced warning that an ambulance is in the area. Special nonslip flooring in the patient compartment enables paramedics to change positions more safely while the ambulance is moving. And fluorescent area lights better illuminate the patient compartment, making it easier for paramedics to assess and treat patients.

Michael S. Morris, president of the Amherst Fire Chiefs' Association, said, "The town chiefs are very pleased with TCA's commitment to the towns of Amherst and Clarence. The company is always looking for ways to improve service."