One 2014 Ambulance was involved in an accident on February 10, 2024. The Village has received $421,925 for a replacement ambulance from its insurance carrier. Staff reached out to Foster Coach, our preferred vendor for ambulances through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC), to inquire about a replacement ambulance. Staff was informed that the lead time for a new ambulance would be an estimated two years. The proposed wait time would place a significant operational hardship on the Fire Department (FD).
Additionally, Staff coordinated with the FD about transitioning to a Ford F-550 chassis for all future ambulance purchases on account of driver safety with air bags, maneuverability, cost effectiveness, fuel efficiency, and a smoother ride. Decades ago the FD had Ford chassis but these ambulances had an F-350 chassis. The original move to the International and Freightliner chassis was on account of them being able to support more weight. The Ford F-550 chassis is considered a medium duty Class 6 unit, the same as our Freightliners. Foster Coach notified staff that they have a Ford ambulance demo unit available for purchase. Staff travelled to see the ambulance in person and determined that it will meet the needs of the FD. Fleet Services discussed with the FD, shared photographs, as well as the specifications, and the FD agreed that this is the best option. Staff did check for other on-lot solutions and this ambulance is the best option.
Staff recommends purchasing this 2022 Diesel Ambulance from Foster Coach and waiving the competitive bidding process. This ambulance currently has 145 engine hours. With this being a demo, it is about $10,000 - $15,000 less expensive than purchasing a brand-new ambulance through the SPC Contract. This ambulance will replace the front-line ambulance that was totaled. The ambulance currently in reserve status will be auctioned through the Public Surplus Auction website, where Staff estimates we will recoup between $5,000 - $8,000. There are sufficient reserves in the Vehicle Replacement Fund to support the overage.