City Unveils New Fleet of Emergency Vehicles

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The city’s Emergency Services Division is updating its ambulance vehicles.

A special ceremony took place at Keehi Lagoon on Tuesday for the latest acquisitions, designed to enhance the department’s capacity to handle emergency situations.

A total of 17 vehicles will be replacing 14 ambulances as well as two CORE units.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi stated, 'This goes beyond merely having a fleet of trucks. It’s all about providing genuine assistance. During truly frightening times when people desperately require aid, these vehicles arrive equipped with their capabilities along with our team members ready to serve those in need. This is precisely what we should be doing, and I’m pleased that we are executing this.'

As administrators, our duty is to provide them with the finest ambulances and top-notch equipment possible so they can carry out their lifesaving tasks," stated Dr. Jim Ireland, who leads the Honolulu Emergency Services Department.

Among the fleet's latest additions is an ambulance bus designed to handle mass casualty incidents.

"It can accommodate up to 18 passengers when they're lying down; seated, it can hold even more. The vehicle is fitted with oxygen supplies, medical devices, and advanced life-support systems to effectively transport a significant number of individuals from one location to another or between hospitals," Ireland stated.

The city was able to keep costs down by remounting eight units for $250,000 each, compared to $377,000 for each new ambulance.

Every newly manufactured and refurbished vehicle comes with multiple upgrades such as advanced suspension systems for a more comfortable journey, reduced-emission hazard lights to decrease light contamination, and enhanced onboard communication systems.

This is once more a truly great day for our city," Blangiardi stated. "Whenever we discuss serving the public and putting others before ourselves, this is what it looks like.

The city expects to receive four more replacement ambulances this autumn.