A new remounting technique for ambulances is saving Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services money. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Fire & EMS saving money by remounting ambulances

Dec 4, 2024 | 10:46 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge’s first responders say they have found a practical way to keep its ambulance fleet running smoothly.

Instead of replacing entire ambulances when their chasses wear out, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) reuses the ambulance boxes that remain in good condition.

Two remounts have been completed so far and five more are expected by the end of 2026.

Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Tomaras says this practice has saved the department money, reduced waste and added reliable vehicles to its fleet in a quicker fashion.

“It costs much less than buying new ambulances, reduces waste and helps us stay sustainable. This lets us keep our fleet modern and save taxpayer money,” says Tomaras.

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According to LFES, new ambulances typically cost around $282,000. The cost to remount it onto a new chassis, or base frame of the vehicle, is about $88,000, or 31 per cent, cheaper.

They can put the saved money towards other needs like upgrading ambulance equipment.

The City of Lethbridge’s Fleet Procurement and Lease Coordinator Melissa Davies says the practice also helps them to get around supply chain issues.

“It can take up to three years to build a new ambulance, but remounting shortens that time by about a year,” says Davies. “This lets us put safe and reliable ambulances on the road much faster.”

The remounting work is done by Crestline, a company based out of Saskatoon.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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