A new ambulance could be in service soon for Escalon Community Ambulance.

Retired ECA Chief Mike Pitassi, who is continuing to advocate on behalf of the local ambulance service, said information received from the company manufacturing the ambulance indicated a delivery date could come as soon as the end of February.

“The new ambulance, which was fully funded by donations, is designed to provide improved safety to patient and crew members. The design eliminates a bench seating system and puts the paramedic in an adjustable seat in which he or she can provide patient care without being unsecured,” Pitassi explained.

In addition, he said that the patient compartment allows for more space and comfort.

“The ambulance has the lowest floor to ground setting of any ambulance on the market making it easier and safer to load patients,” Pitassi added.

Cabinets are lighted on the inside allowing paramedics to see equipment easier. The ambulance is also fuel efficient and features back up cameras for improved safety as well.

“Our goal is to keep dependable ambulances properly maintained and safe for operations,” Pitassi said. “ECA would like to thank the community and business sponsors who have funded this project and helped reach our goal of $90,000.”

Looking ahead, ECA hopes to add loading systems to its ambulances in the future, with a plan in place to begin purchasing the loading systems over the next few years.

“The systems provide crews the ability to load patients via a mechanical means instead of using the backs of fire and ambulance crews,” noted Pitassi.

Each system costs about $25,000 per ambulance and ECA currently has four ambulances in its fleet.

The ambulance service is always accepting donations to help finance vehicle and equipment purchases. Donations can be sent to Escalon Community Ambulance, P.O. Box 212, Escalon, CA 95320 or donate online by visiting ecaems.com and clicking on the ‘donate’ option.