Jeff Harper, operations manager for Oxford Oaks Paramedic Service, is excited to announce that our local EMS agency will be replacing all of their ambulances for a new fleet. Though this move comes after new state legislation requires retiring emergency vehicles after 500,000 miles, Harper assures the Oxford Oaks Tribune that the timing is purely coincidental. "We're always interested in giving our patients, our hospitals, and our providers the very best. We're retiring our old fleet, not because there was anything wrong with it, but because we feel we can do better."
Harper is excited to announce that the new fleet will be environmentally cutting-edge, with each vehicle being both completely zero-emissions as well as fully biodegradable. The new fleet had several other advantages over classic diesel models, including cheaper parts and lower insurance liability costs. Oxford Oaks Paramedic Service also expects to cut its health benefit cost in half this year. "Before, our employees would sit in the diesels and lead virtually sedentary lifestyles, and it was costing us a lot in workplace injuries and health benefits. We don't expect to see those problems continue once we switch to over to rickshaws," says Harper, confidently.
Harper said that the idea came to him from a disgruntled employee, who was airing his grievances with the inadequacies of the soon-to-be former fleet. "He said that he was surprised that we hadn't switched to Rickshaws, since they're much cheaper to own, operate, license, and repair. I was amazed I'd never thought of it before," Harper explained. Jeff tells the tribune that while the employee hasn't received any official awards, he has been given much praise from his co-workers in various forms, from thank you notes left on his car to a shop-wide standing ovation. "Apparently, slow-clapping's really popular these days," added the pleased manager.
The city council has raised some questions about the EMS agency maintaining its contracted response times with the new fleet, but Harper assures the tribune that they're working hard to make sure no inconveniences arise. "The manufacturer has assured us that the vehicles are perfectly capable of making time, the only limitation is on the operator, so we're simultaneously installing a new incentive program where employees don't get fined for using our Rickshaws as long as they make times. It's an exciting time for everyone here."
