Demers Ambulances, a North American leader in ambulance manufacturing, has launched a new online parts catalog. The new catalog, which is accessible from the Demers Ambulances website, offers multiple benefits to both end users and dealers in reducing downtime and checking product availability.

“Our customers need to maintain an optimal number of ambulances that are ready to answer emergency calls as efficiently as possible,” said Benoit Lafortune, executive vice-president at Demers Ambulances. ‘’The new online parts catalog will further assist our customers in meeting these expectations and reducing downtime.’’

Demers new online parts catalog will assist both dealers and end user clients in searching, identifying and ordering new parts for their vehicles. Clients and dealers will save time by beginning the ordering process directly on the Demers Ambulances website. With thousands of parts featured in the online catalog, final transactions will be completed after a Demers service technician has validated the parts request. This double verification process will ensure the accuracy of the order, customer satisfaction and reduce additional downtime.

To access Demers new online parts catalog visit www.demers-ambulances.com and select the parts/accessories/services option.

About Demers Ambulances

Founded in 1960, Demers Ambulances is the second largest ambulance manufacturer in North America, delivering more than 18,000 ambulances to more than 20 countries. Recognized as a leader in innovative products that meet and exceed the expectations of medical emergency specialists around the world, Demers Ambulances is accredited by Transport Canada, recognized as a "Qualified Vehicles Modification" (QVM) by Ford, and also holds the US National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Member Verification Program (MVP) certification. Demers Ambulances merged with Braun Industries in February 2018.To learn more about Demers Ambulances, visit www.demers-ambulances.com.

By Bill Adams

Trade shows like the Fire Department Instructors Conference are forums for apparatus manufacturers to introduce their new innovations. Regional shows present great opportunities to observe rigs that are close to what local departments are actually purchasing. Pundits can be somewhat analytical when looking at various manufacturers’ new rigs, however, they must tread very carefully at regional trade shows because the fire chief and his whole crew might be standing next to the new rig being criticized! We should remember fire departments are purchasing rigs and equipping them for their own response district—not yours.

Photo 1: This rear discharge is equipped with a 2½-inch gated wye—a great idea. I’m sure the combined desired flow from both outlets was “precalculated” by the fire department, written into its purchasing specifications, flow tested, and certified by the manufacturer. The bottom lip of the rear step running board compartment has been notched to allow the LDH to slide underneath protecting the hydrant makeup from the elements—another good idea.

Photo 2: This rear-mount Rosenbauer pumper has five 2½-inch and 3-inch rear discharges all connected to preconnects located in removable trays beneath the main hosebed and protected by a roll-up door. The preconnects, ground monitor, and LDH hydrant makeup are easily accessible from ground level. Note the siamese just ahead of the ground monitor. This rig’s rear end is busy but functional.

Photos 3 and 4: Sutphen’s customer specified blue and black chevrons on this tanker. It has a wide and deep usable rear step. A closer look at the hosebed shows a bed of purple-colored hose—not too common.

Photo 5: This E-ONE customer specified an orange pumper. The two 2½-inch hotel packs carried on top of the curbside running board compartments are color-coded to match the rig. The real benefit is the hose loads are easily accessible.

Photo 6: Electrically operated “slide-out” dump valves are common on the sides and rear of rigs. This rig has a flip-up door protecting the valve from the elements—simple and smart.

Photo 7: This Spartan ER has a functional back end including a low hosebed, and three preconnects are attached to three of the four rear discharges. The rear LDH inlet is located at frame rail level where it’s easy to reach. Notice the large hand holes at the top of the hosebed dividers with a split-tube type reinforcement. This type of reinforcement helps (but does not eliminate) hosebed dividers that are u