Harford County has added a bariatric ambulance equipped to transport larger patients to its fleet of emergency vehicles. The 2021 International CV 5500 Wheeled Coach — the first of its kind in the county — will supplement services provided by volunteer fire companies.

In a news release from the Harford County Government, officials explain bariatric calls are few and far between, but when they come in, suitable medical transport is vital. This new ambulance comes with a heavy-duty stretcher, ramps and a winch to safely load larger patients, though it can be used with a regular-sized stretcher as well.

“The addition of a bariatric ambulance to our fleet will be a resource for our volunteer fire companies and paid service providers countywide and in the region,” County Executive Barry Glassman said in a news release on Dec. 20. “Most importantly, it will provide safe emergency transport for first responders and larger patients.”

Harford County’s new bariatric ambulance was placed into service on December 13, 2021. (Courtesy Photo)