Photo of the Week: CAL FIRE off-road ambulance

CAL FIRE San Diego County Fire/Facebook

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — Rescue Ambulance 61, based at Ocotillo Wells, is one of several specialized off-road ambulances used by CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire to reach patients in remote areas of east San Diego County.

The unit is a converted Ford Transit outfitted with larger wheels, enhanced suspension and a front-mounted winch to navigate tight roads, steep grades and uneven terrain. Officials say the upgrades allow crews to access patients more quickly when incidents occur beyond paved roads.

These off-road ambulances are typically assigned to rural fire stations to improve coverage for remote communities and hard-to-reach locations.

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