Region donates retired ambulance to Friends of Ecuador

York Regional council recently authorized the donation of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance with supplies and equipment decommissioned from service, to Ecuador through the Friends of Ecuador.

The expense for shipping, permits and related costs will be covered by the Friends of Ecuador.

In 2002, and 2005, York EMS donated decommissioned vehicles and surplus medical supplies to the South American country.

Ambulances have to be replaced based on an established life cycle of 54 months, or when the mileage exceeds 250,000 kilometres. To maintain the vehicle fleet and comply with the legislative required preventative maintenance program under the Ambulance Act, EMS has in place a 10-year Capital Vehicle Replacement Plan based on Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care vehicle standards and a performance based service delivery model.

This year, as part of its vehicle replacement strategy, EMS will decommission nine ambulances, which normally are put up for auction annually through an approved vendor.