New four-wheel drive paramedic ambulance will provide improved traction in sandy conditions
LUCERNE VALLEY • Recently the San Bernardino County Fire Department at Station 8 in Lucerne Valley received a 2014 Ford F450 4X4 ambulance.
The funding for the new piece of equipment was provided by the vehicle replacement fund, which is part of the county general fund.
County Fire made the decision to upgrade to an F450 to provide a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating on the ambulance. Lucerne Valley offers a unique response area including rugged terrain, dirt roads and sandy washes. The larger truck chassis will also improve traction in sand, mud and snow.
“We want to ensure our personnel are able to respond as expected when time is critical during an emergency situation” said Division Chief Britt Sipe.
The new ambulance replaces an older two-wheel drive F-350 model that will be placed into reserve status.