Effingham County Work-Based Learning student Lucas Hartzog shows how the Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher in the new Effingham County EMS ambulance works. The device, which cost $18,000, locks into place in the center of the vehicle’s floor, firmly securing patients even in the case of a rollover accident. Patients are also protected by safety belts.

Effingham County Work-Based Learning student Lucas Hartzog shows how the Stryker Power-LOAD stretcher in the new Effingham County EMS ambulance works. The device, which cost $18,000, locks into place in the center of the vehicle’s floor, firmly securing patients even in the case of a rollover accident. Patients are also protected by safety belts.

Four ambulances with the new look are on order. They cost about $225,000 each.

Effingham County EMS staffers had input about the colors and design of the new ambulance.

Custom Truck and Body Works of Woodbury added the box and colorful wrap to the Super Duty F-350.

Effingham County Emergency Medical Services Director Wanda McDuffie inspects her organization’s newest ambulance after driving it to the Effingham County Administrative Annex on Nov. 16. The freshly inspected vehicle was parked at the rear of the building so that members of the Effingham County Board of Commissioners and other county officials could check it out. It is the first to sport a new decal package that features more blue and a much larger Star of Life.