By Adolfo Flores
Pasadena Star-News
PASADENA, Calif. — It looks like a golf cart on steroids but a high-tech low cost ambulance unveiled Monday could help paramedics get quickly to injured people at the Rose Bowl.
That’s because Pasadena Fire Department’s latest addition is able to navigate through crowds easier than an ambulance or fire truck, said fire officials.
“We certainly need this type of vehicle,” said Fire Chief Dennis Downs. “When we’re here at the Rose Bowl we end up having to borrow this vehicle from other cities.”
The $28,000 gas-powered car — called a carryall — was partly funded by DeWitt Stern, a private insurance brokerage and risk management firm, which donated $15,000.
The rest was paid through Fire Department’s general fund. It’s the first of its kind in Pasadena.
“We wouldn’t have been able to (purchase) it had it not been for (DeWitt Stern),” said Cpt. Sean English. “We’ll be able to drive over curves and park in the golf course, it can go where ambulances and fire trucks can’t.”
Especially in a situation where there are crowds the ATV will cut the time it takes to get a patient treated, English said.
“This is a tremendous unit that’s very efficient in hopefully saving some lives,” said John Hammby, of DeWitt Stern.
The firm worked with the Fireman’s Fund Insurance to award the Pasadena Fire Department the funds.
Since 2004 the insurance company has donated $20 million nationwide and $8 million in California, said Bill Sanderson, spokesman for Fireman’s Fund Insurance.
The cart still has to be fully outfitted and will be temporarily housed at Station 34, said Kevin Costa, deputy fire chief.
It’s the first of three vehicles the Pasadena Fire Department plans to buy, Costa said.
“We have a donor who’s interested in getting two more for us,” Costa said. “We’re looking for a 40-foot container to house it with solar panels ... we hope to have it out here by the start of the UCLA season.”
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