A tracked, enclosed Polaris Ranger painted Parkland Ambulance black and white is "badass," according to one paramedic.
"It can go through a lot more than I though it could," said Curtis Rhinas, a new primary care paramedic at Parkland who took the off-road beast for a rumbling, snow-spitting spin around an empty field behind Parkland's 13th Street East detachment on Friday.
The all-terrain vehicle was purchased with sponsor support in May. Over summer, it was used three or four times at busy public events and for sending help to hard-to-reach locations.
A girl riding her bike at Little Red River Park this summer injured herself and needed to be taken out, but there was no way they could get an ambulance down the trail she was on, Parkland Ambulance spokesman Lyle Karasiuk explained. The Ranger was "perfect" for the job and got her out to the road.
The original vehicle cost the service about $14,000. Now with treads, a custom-designed shelter and new equipment they're up around $20,000, Karasiuk said. He believes they're the only ambulance service in the province to have a fully winterized "mobile response unit."
"The staff are very excited about it, it's very useful for them ... if you try to do a rescue on a snow-machine, you can't sit with the patient and talk with them and reassure them, and if something changes in their condition and they start vomiting you wouldn't even know it," he said, adding that the enclosure will keep patients relatively warm during the ride.
Some of the Ranger's uses could include picking up injured skiers and snowmobilers or rescuing stranded hunters.
It's a far cry from paramedics having to strap on snow shoes, he pointed out.
Parkland ambulance staff have been training through Canada Safety Council on the machine and will continue to do so to meet Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
A trailer can be used to pull the "miniature ambulance" to outlying locations, but Parkland also has a special bylaw dispensation from the City to be able to drive it wherever they have to.
Since the Ranger came back from the shop this week, the old Parkland snowmobiles will be retired.
mgauk@paherald.sk.ca
Paramedics prepped for off-road response
Parkland Ambulance takes its souped-up Polaris Ranger out for a test run. Herald photo by Matt Gauk
A tracked, enclosed Polaris Ranger painted Parkland Ambulance black and white is "badass," according to one paramedic.
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Comments
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- Derek
- - November 18th, 2009
Interesting concept! I would be very interested in learning more about the vehicle... As a former EMS worker, and currently involved in Search and Rescue, seeing a company increasing its capability is a sure sign of progress. By the way, the video attached to the article shows the crew wearing helmets. Well done.
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- Richard
- - November 18th, 2009
I don't know what Karasiuk is saying about being the only Winterized unit in the province. I know of several using these http://www.rescueboggan.com/ I'm thinking he likes to beat his chest.
They are pulled by a snowmobile but have the patient laying down in the sled and a seat for the attendant. They come with a cover and heaters too. From the looks of thinks, Parkland's newest toy would be hard pressed to hold a spineboard.
Nice to see the big city make the effort though. -
- Terry
- - November 18th, 2009
Steve is correct. Parkland Ambulance personnel (along with PAPD amd PAFD) are all ambassadors of safety within our community. When they are in the public spotlight, they are expected to promote safe and responsible actions, whether that is vehicle operation, proper outer clothing, staying off unsafe surfaces, etc. The media should also endorse this type of behaviour from our 'professionals'. I don't believe Steve is discounting the good that these groups do, just pointing out that they need to be constantly promoting safe behaviour. I also thought this article did not meet this basic consideration.
ATV crashes are usually the result of the person driving using irresponsible practices and not paying attention. The dangers associated with the improper operation of an ATV are typically the result of young drivers who are usually inexperienced. A majority of ATV operators do not wear a helmet which is one of the primary safety requirements. Additionally, the majority of ATV crash deaths are accounted for by head injuries.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Umm...maybe take a breath before you so quickly pounce on another. Maybe the lives these guys will be called to save will be one of their own involved in an 'badass' ATV accident? -
- Steve
- - November 19th, 2009
No helmets? 'Snow spitting spin'? What kind of example are you setting?
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- ArcticKat
- - November 19th, 2009
I don't understand what any of you are talking about the picture as well as the video clearly shows them wearing helmets.
Sounds like someone trolling to me. -
- Trina
- - November 19th, 2009
After watching the video, it seems that snow spitting were simply the authors words as the video certainly did not show reckless behavior. Certainly helmets were in use.
As a former Paramedic who remembers only too well going to an accident scene on a bitterly cold day on the back of an open ATV while balancing needed equipment, I only wish we had had access to such a vehicle then.
Way to go Parkland !! -
- umm
- - November 19th, 2009
O Steve shut up and take a pill! These guys save lives what do u do?
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- Kurtis
- - November 20th, 2009
The whole concept of the vehicle is to replace the use of a snowmobile and sled. This vehicle is capable of transporting an injured person on a spine board. You should call Parkland Ambulance Richard and have a peak at the vehicle. It's pretty neat!
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- mom
- - November 20th, 2009
I think that this is a wonderful addition to the services the paramedics already provide. Hats off to all of you ...you are truly gifted people .
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- Brandon
- - November 20th, 2009
That is a great tool for EMS. We are considering one for response to the Dunes areas in California. On the busy event days, our 4x4 ambulances take a beating. It would be so much more cost effective to run these things through all that rough terrain. Probably more comfortable with suspension mods. Good work guys and gals
