Partnership with local smart energy company creates technology that cuts ambulance emissions and conserves fuel

Austin, TX - Green powered electrical systems have been installed in 21 Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) ambulances with more on the way.  ATCEMS and local Austin company Stealth Power, creators of Smart Mobile Electric Power Systems, collaborated over a 3 year period to develop an innovative, reliable, idle-reduction system for use on ambulances in Austin. The partnership resulted in a cutting edge, green mobile technology called the Stealth Power EMS series.

Until now, ambulances were required to idle on the scene of a call and at the hospital to power the on-board systems.  But Stealth Power green mobile technology allows crews to turn the engine off while maintaining system power and reducing consumption of gasoline and output of CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.  "We were looking for ways to save money and reduce energy use" said EMS Chief of Staff James Shamard, "this partnership with Stealth Power has opened the door to new economical and ecological breakthroughs for EMS and the City of Austin."

Stealth smart power management technology saves fuel and money by allowing full operation of the on-board electrical systems including lights, HVAC, refrigerator, communications, laptop and other power needs without having to idle the vehicle's engine.  The system recharges off the vehicle's alternator when driven and may be plugged into a dedicated shoreline outlet back at the station with no maintenance required.  An emergency jump-start feature reserves 20% power to ensure the vehicle always has battery power to start.

The Stealth Power green technology allows ATCEMS to:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Save money by reducing fuel consumption costs
• Reduce noise from idling engines
• Reduce engine hours, which also reduces the frequency of vehicle maintenance costs thus extending the service life and warranty of the ambulance
• Reduce patients and emergency personnel's exposure to toxic emissions

Reduced emissions and noise from idling engines not only helps to improve our environment, but also helps to improve the working conditions of emergency personnel. Toxic emissions and the stress from hearing repetitive, loud engine noise from idling is eliminated when the vehicle is turned off, something that medics and emergency room personnel are exposed to when multiple vehicles are parked outside the ER at hospitals.

‍World Environment Day (today June 5th) encourages worldwide awareness and action for the environment.  It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment. "We wanted to discuss the positive impact the Stealth Power green energy solution will have on our immediate environment and bring awareness for World Environment Day to the greater Austin community" said ATCEMS Public Information Officer Michael Benavides.

The City of Austin is also a member of the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Coalition program, which supports local actions to reduce petroleum use in transportation.  Austin-Travis County EMS is proud to introduce this new green technology to our ambulance fleet and contribute to the City of Austin's Air Quality program and Engine Off initiative to reduce emissions and create sustainability for a greener tomorrow.

For more information, visit TCEMS.