Rural/Metro of Tennessee recently added seven customized ambulances to its 54-ambulance fleet, representing a $910,000 investment in Knox County.

KNOXVILLE — Rural/Metro recently added seven new state-of-the-art ambulances to its 54-ambulance fleet in Knox County. The ambulances will replace and upgrade several ambulances that are scheduled to be retired this year.

“Rural/Metro is committed to having state-of-the-art ambulances stocked with the latest technology and staffed with paramedics and EMTs trained in the latest emergency medical protocols,” said Rural/Metro Regional Director Jerry Harnish. “Providing the highest standard of safety and health to Knox County and all the communities we serve is our top priority, and our significant investment in Knox County proves it.”

Each ambulance was custom-made by Braun Industries Inc., the recognized leader in custom ambulance design, for Rural/Metro of East Tennessee and represents a $130,000 investment in the community. In total, the seven ambulances are a $910,000 investment in updating Knox County’s emergency system. An eighth ambulance has been ordered and will arrive in a few weeks.

In total, Rural/Metro has invested more than $3.6 million in vehicles and equipment upgrades in Knox County in the last three years.

In addition to new ambulances, Rural/Metro has stocked each ambulance with cutting-edge, pre-hospital medical equipment. In 2012, Rural/Metro upgraded its cardiac heart monitoring system to LIFEPAK 15s, the latest technology for cardiac patients. The LIFEPAK 15 has improved operational systems, an increased resiliency in the field and an improved level of patient diagnostics.

Rural/Metro also added the LUCAS 2 automated chest compression device to its ambulances. LUCAS 2 is a portable device that delivers automated, uninterrupted chest compressions at a consistent rate and depth in accordance with the American Heart Association guidelines. Consistent chest compressions are key to facilitating blood flow in cardiac arrest victims. It can double or triple a victim’s chances of survival, according to the AHA.

Rural/Metro also introduced into its ambulances King Vision video laryngoscopes, a cutting-edge intubation technology, making it easier to open and maintain a patient’s airway in an emergency.

“Rural/Metro has provided excellent medical care in Knox County for more than 25 years,” Harnish said. “Our significant investments in this county show our commitment to continuing to provide excellent clinical care to Knox County residents.”

Published December 22, 2013