Emergency vehicles built in Marion find new homes

MARION — Three state-of-the-art emergency vehicles built in Marion have found new homes, thanks to the Fire Department Instructors Conference that ended April 25 in Indianapolis.

“The show is over, and the response was very positive,” said Gary DeCosse, president of Road Rescue, “and by the end of the show, all three vehicles sold.”

Road Rescue is based in the Marion County Industrial Park off U.S. 501 Bypass and employs about 170 people.

The business unveiled its complete redesign of its line of custom ambulances at the emergency-rescue industry’s trade show.

Road Rescue, a subsidiary of Spartan Motors Inc., showcased more than 40 improvements, including new technology and innovative features, on its line of Ultramedic, Promedic and Duramedic ambulances, a press release about the event said. The redesign featured enhancements in modules, doors, systems, appearance and hardware.

“During difficult economic times, some companies have cut back on their research and development budget, but not Spartan Motors/Road Rescue,” DeCosse said. “For the past year, the best minds in the ambulance industry have been working on an extensive ‘re-design’ for our product line.”

Most ambulance manufacturers come to the conference with one or two new features on their ambulances, DeCosse said, but Road Rescue’s redesign produced “truly new vehicles, from the wheels up.”
“We want to maximize value for our customers and be as competitive as possible,” he said.

The redesign offers a stronger, more durable and sleeker ambulance that will enable EMTs to be more efficient and effective when working on patients during transport, DeCosse said.

Among the improvements are a new crash-rail fender ring system that is more impact absorbent; a redesigned roof-radius extrusion with triple-wall construction that is substantially stronger and exceeds the new KKK vehicle standards; and new exterior doors featuring a double-box, pan-formed composite construction with a hidden hinge that delivers a lighter, stronger and more durable door.

The composite construction, DeCosse said, improves vehicle insulation and reduces road noise.

Additionally, the new ambulances offer a “patient-centric concept” introduced at the conference in 2008 that standardizes the overhead equipment mounts and offers more working room for EMTs.

There is a refined central air system that realigns vent locations to improve airflow and efficiency whether heating or cooling the vehicle and exterior upgrades, including a shift to chrome handles, flanges, crash rails, trim and housing. Other interior improvements include the use of lighter, more soothing colors, stainless steel accents and improved trim options.

“In many ways, it’s what you won’t see in this redesign that matters most,” DeCosse said.

More than half of all the improvements are in the building process. These changes “enhance our industry position as a leader in quality and safety,” he said.

DeCosse said the new line of ambulances uses new materials that allow the Marion plant to offer improved “efficiency of our production line and reduce order-to-delivery times.”

Earlier this year, Marion Fire & Rescue took possession of a state-of-the-art, Marion-made truck. The Marion vehicle, custom fitted to the city’s needs, cost about $130,000.

“We’re very excited and proud to be fortunate enough to have such nice equipment. And it also makes us proud to have it built in Marion County,” Marion Fire Chief Alan Ammons said.

Road Rescue employees require various skills in welding, painting, electrical and cabinetry. The company produces an average of 19 custom vehicles monthly, DeCosse said in January.

“It’s not just an excellent product, it’s excellent people,” he said.

Road Rescue was founded in 1976 and moved to Marion County about seven years ago.

“We expect to continue to grow in Marion,” DeCosse said.

Visit the company’s Web site at http://www.roadrescue.com.

— Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise Editor Dianne P. Owens can be reached at (843) 423-2050.