Peterborough Fire & Rescue received its new $451,000 Ford F-550 ambulance Tuesday, April 7.
According to Chief Ed Walker, the vehicle arrived a little over three years after it was ordered in December 2022.
Its major distinguishing features are its extended cab and dual oxygen tank system according to Deputy EMS Chief John Fahey.
“The truck was designed when we were doing long-distance transfers,” Fahey said. “Traveling six to eight hours in a regular cab can get very uncomfortable.”
The larger cab not only creates more leg room, but also provides additional storage space for equipment.
“At the time of order, we were coming off the tail end of COVID,” he added. “There were a lot of oxygen intensive inter-facility transfers, so we added the dual system.”
Walker noted the vehicle will replace the department’s current A-5 ambulance, but still needs inspecting before entering service.
“We have to put all of the equipment in and then the state has to go and inspect it,” he said.
Once the new vehicle enters service in a few weeks, Walker said the department will sell the A-5 at a public auction.