SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — It’s not the typical ambulance we’re used to seeing out on the road. Designed specifically for the back country, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire’s newest addition to the San Diego fleet can off-road in all types of terrain. CBS 8 rode along for a test drive on Proctor Valley Road near Jamul to see what the new ambulance is capable of.
“It’s good for a variety of different terrains. This is the kind of environment it’s going to thrive in,” said Fire Captain Mike Cornette with CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire while steering the ambulance over bumpy terrain. “With the all-wheel drive, it’s very stable. It has plenty of power and plenty of traction.”
At one point, Fire Captain Cornette veered off to the side of the rugged dirt road over a series of deep holes, but the two-inch lift kit and upgraded suspension allowed him to steer through it with ease.
“You can see how smooth it was, it felt stable and made it through the obstacle there,” said Fire Captain Cornette.
CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire put two of these converted Ford transit vans into service nine months ago, one in Ocotillo Wells near the Anza Borrego Desert, and the other in Shelter Valley east of Julian. Between the two ambulaces, they've responded to 400 calls in sandy, rocky terrain, and transported 140 patients.
This newest addition to the fleet will soon be stationed on Palomar Mountain.
“We have some difficult terrain up there, narrow roads. In the winter, it can snow so that all-wheel drive’s going to help us immensely,” said Fire Captain Cornette.
With a winch installed on the front end and multiple hooks for rope rescue situations, these vehicles are great for accessing areas when a helicopter is unable to.
The total cost for one of these completely outfitted vans is $227,000. Three more are currently on order by San Diego County Fire, and once they're put into service, a total of six will be stationed throughout San Diego County.
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