Look Inside: CoxHealth Buys Ambulance With Improved Safety Features

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A model of ambulance used all around the world, and known for its unique safety features, will be making its way to health emergencies in the Springfield area.

CoxHealth in Springfield has purchased the area's first Mercedes Sprinter ambulances. The health system showed off the two new additions Thursday morning.

Special features on these ambulances include a four-point harness system in the patient compartment so staff can be restrained and still reach medical supplies and care for the patient.

The ambulances are also more fuel efficient, expecting to save more than $7,000 a year in fuel costs.

"You know, ambulances were not always built with patients in mind for things like rough roads," says Mike Dawson, CoxHealth EMS Operations Manager. "Our staff immediately noticed this is a lot smoother ride."

CoxHealth hopes to eventually transition its entire fleet to the Mercedes Sprinter.