Hamilton paramedics test driving green ambulances
Published January 30, 2020 at 4:11 pm
Hamilton’s paramedics are test driving greener ambulances in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the city’s emergency services.
Hamilton’s paramedics are test driving greener ambulances in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the city’s emergency services.
In a press release sent Thursday (Jan. 30), the Hamilton Paramedic Service said they would be looking into the feasibility of adding two ambulances that are outfitted with hybrid regenerative braking technology.
“With approximately 2.5-million kilometres travelled each year, Hamilton Paramedic Service (HPS) will evaluate whether the addition of two new Demers™ ambulances…will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the City’s overall carbon footprint,” the release said.
Regenerative braking is energy recovery technology that slows down a moving vehicle by converting its kinetic energy into a form that can be either used immediately or stored until needed.
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In addition to improving gas mileage, it is anticipated that implementing this technology will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10.7 tons per ambulance per year, the release says.
“The ability to move forward with this important environmental initiative is welcomed,” said Michael Sanderson, chief of Hamilton Paramedic service. “It will allow us to contribute to the health of Hamilton citizens while still providing high-quality ambulance service.”
The new system generates 100 per cent of its own electricity during deceleration, the press release says. It leaves all manufacturer systems intact and therefore does not impact the vehicle’s performance, requiring no additional training and allowing this vehicle to be entered into service with no disruption of service delivery.
The initiative was approved by council in 2019.
Interesting facts about Hamilton’s Paramedic Service:
- In 2018, HPS travelled 2.5 million kms, representing a response area of over 1,138 square kms.
- HPS is funded 50/50 with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the City’s capital budget.
- There are currently 370 front line Paramedics in service.
- In 2019, HPS completed over 87,000 responses.
- Call volumes in 2020 are anticipated to increase by approximately four per cent.