The West Grove Fire Company has placed into service a new basic life support (BLS) ambulance, the first medium-duty ambulance in the fleet.

The new ambulance, designated Ambulance 22-3, is a 2013 LifeLine Type III unit, built upon an International TerraStar chassis. The unit was built by LifeLine of Sumner, Iowa, which is the same manufacturer who built the other two WGFC ambulances, and the 2003 LifeLine which this new truck is replacing. The older unit was retired after 118,000+ miles in service.

The TerraStar was selected as the chassis because it has the weight capacity of a true medium duty truck, but offers a lower profile cab, making it easier and more "familiar" to drive. The other two ambulances in the fleet are older model E350 Ford "van front" chassis, and the TerraStar is a compromise between the older cabs and a much higher commercial cab. While the Ford chassis is no longer available, the switch to medium duty will allow for a higher weight carrying capacity, and, hopefully, nearly double the service life of the chassis.

The ambulance features full five-point safety belt seating in the patient compartment, a first for the WGFC. The unit also has a new paint scheme designed to closely match the fire company's overall fleet -- all yellow trucks with white Scotchlite highlights, with gold/red/blue lettering and trim. Ambulance 22-3 is also the first BLS unit to use 3M Diamond Grade chevrons on the rear, which provide exceptional reflectivity for safety on the highway -- again, matching the fire department fleet.

On the exterior, the unit features fully lighted cabinetry that better organizes portable equipment for the many different calls handled by the WGFC. For example, portable crash bags and other equipment taken to trauma and medical calls are now centralized just behind the crew chief seat, easily accessible from both the inside and outside of the truck.

Inside, cabinet depth was narrowed, allowing for more room to work around the patient and stretcher, while maximizing storage capacity. Recognizing typical work patterns on most calls, the control center for the patient compartment, along with emergency radio and other equipment was located for the first time on the curbside attendant bench to ease single attendant operation. The traditional CPR seat was widened to provide better patient access on the streetside.

To improve cooling and heating of the patient compartment, the unit features center line ducting for HVAC, running the length of the vehicle, allowing for more efficient air flow and quieter operation. A secondary air conditioning condenser was added to improve cooling on very hot days.

High visibility LED lighting was used throughout the vehicle, which provides exceptional visibility and longer service life. Touchscreen control systems allow for the operators in the cab to drive all systems, including those in the patient compartment. The system also incorporates a moving-map GPS navigation system. Air ride seats allow for driver and crew chief comfort in the cab. Aluminum wheels allow for longer brake life and add to the attractiveness of this unique unit.

Typically, this unit transports a single patient on the power stretcher. However, the seating configuration allows for a second back-boarded patient to be carried on the attendant curbside bench. The captain's chair in the patient compartment incorporates a child-safety seat.

The new ambulance committee started its work in the spring of 2012, placing the order for the new LifeLine in mid-June. On the committee was: John Crowley, Ted Fosselman, Bill Wohl, Jr., Chuck Foy, Matt Gialoretto, and Bill Wohl, Sr.

The WGFC operates three BLS ambulances, which are rotated among the three stations (West Grove, New London, London Britain). The vehicles are rotated in the fleet to assure a balanced use of the ambulances for service life and maintenance purposes. WGFC ambulances are from LifeLine -- the local dealer is Diamond State Ambulance of Newark, Delaware. Fitch Graphics provided the lettering and striping. Metropolitan Communications of Exton installed the radios and mobile data equipment. We thank these long-time and trusted vendors for their great work on this beautiful and functional new ambulance.

The West Grove Fire Company is a combination (volunteer + career) department providing fire, rescue and EMS services to the greater Avon Grove community, serving West Grove Borough, New London Township and Penn Township, and portions of London Grove, Franklin, London Britain and Londonderry (EMS) Townships. This territory is approximately 65 square miles for the fire district and a total of 88 square miles for EMS coverage, answering 500+ fire calls and 2000+ ambulance calls.