Mechanical failures cause problems for ambulances

LANCASTER, S.C. -- A dozen times last month, ambulances broke down while responding to emergency calls, the director of Lancaster County’s Emergency Medical Service said Monday.

Some of the troubled vehicles are less than four years old and have fewer than 70,000 miles on the odometer, EMS Director Lanny Bernard said in a presentation to county leaders Monday evening.

The typical ambulance is used for 200,000 miles, he said. Lancaster County has 10 ambulances in its fleet.

"I don’t feel confident in any ambulance that we have," Bernard said.

The mechanical failures have included transmission and engine failure. Some of the breakdowns have occurred while transporting patients to the hospital.

Lee Cato said he waited nearly 20 minutes for a second ambulance to arrive at his Kershaw, S.C., home after the first emergency vehicle stalled in his driveway.

"That shouldn’t happen," Cato said, adding he was fortunate his medical emergency was not life-threatening.

In Monday’s meeting of the Lancaster County Council, Chairman Rudy Carter said he was curious why paramedics are experiencing so many problems with the newer vehicles.

"It may be we got some lemons," Carter said.

Bernard said he had discussed the ambulance problems, largely involving the Chevrolet C4500 Duramax diesel cabs, with other counties which have experienced similar mechanical issues.

County leaders are expected to approve the purchase of at least three new ambulances at a cost of $200,000 each.

"I just want to make sure that when we buy new ambulances we look carefully at what brand we buy," said County Councilman Jack Estridge.