Hato Hone St John welcomed two new emergency ambulances for the Western Bay of Plenty into the fold this month ahead of the busy holiday period.

A new Generation 4 ambulance was donated to Hato Hone St John’s Mount Maunganui station on December 1 by horticultural company Trinity Lands Ltd.

The same day Hato Hone St John’s Tauranga station received a new Generation 4 ambulance, anonymously donated by a local family.

Hato Hone St John’s Western Bay of Plenty area operations manager Mat Delaney said the new emergency ambulance vehicles were Generation 4 – the newest model which had improved safety and driving capabilities.

“For example, this model is fitted with modern equipment such as a power-load electric stretcher and stair carry chair, which help make it easier and safer to move patients.”

Delaney said the new ambulances would have a positive impact as his team prepares for a busy summer season ahead.

One of the new ambulances being blessed by chaplain Rev John Hebenton. Photo / David Hall

“As the demand for our emergency ambulance service increases year-on-year, and we come into the holiday peak, it’s vital that we have a high-performing fleet to meet the demand.

“The Generation 4 ambulances, which have the latest iterations of technology and safety features, allow us to provide the wider community with the most comfortable ride possible, while keeping our crews safe when they are treating patients on the move.

“The modern climate control feature will be especially useful over coming months.”

Delaney said Western BOP St John ambulance crews attend an average of 63 callouts per day, with about 75% of responses requiring ambulance transportation to a medical facility.

“Ultimately, the donation of an ambulance is an incredible way to give to Hato Hone St John, in a way that touches the lives of so many, every day,” said Delaney.

Trinity Lands, based in Putāruru, has funded several emergency ambulances and a Patient Transfer Service ambulance before.

Delaney said their long-term support has had a significant and lasting impact on Hato Hone St John communities across the BOP and Waikato region.

Representatives from horticultural company Trinity Lands Ltd with one of the new ambulances. Photo / David Hall

“The generosity of individuals and groups, such as Trinity Lands, continues to be the backbone of support for our area,” said Delaney.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Trinity Lands, which has backed our services for many years, including through the donation of several ambulances across the BOP and Waikato.

“Their support has allowed our ambulance officers to have up-to-date equipment and infrastructure to support the community we work in.

“Trinity Lands should take pride in knowing that during a person’s time of hardship or significant need, it’s a vehicle with their name on it, showing up to provide care.”