Northumberland Paramedics requests preapproval for new ambulances

Northumberland County Ambulance-Northumberland Paramedics Facebook.

By Cecilia Nasmith

Northumberland Paramedic Chief Susan Brown appeared at county council's Community Health Committee Tuesday to ask for preapproval to purchase three new ambulances in next year's budget.

This early-bird approach recognizes the fact that there is still a 10-to-16-month time frame for delivery – so if it is approved, the order can be placed now and delivery can be expected in September or October 2027.

Brown's report said a $84,605.70-per-ambulance deposit will be required at the time of the order, and the purchase price is estimated at $871,723.23.

Committee chair Olena Hankivsky asked when consideration might be given to purchasing electrical ambulances. Brown said this had been researched, at least.

“I am proud to report that our emergency response vehicles are all hybrid,” she said.

She also referred to the eco mode feature in their ambulances that let each one maintain an appropriate temperature for both patient and supplies even with the engine turned off.

The committee voted to refer Brown's request to the next county council meeting.