HONOLULU — A recent blessing held in Waipio welcomed eight new ambulances to the Honolulu Emergency Medical Services fleet, according to a news release. They will replace ambulances that have reached the end of their service life.

At a cost of $260,000, the new Ford F350 ambulances were customized by Leader Ambulances out of California. One of the customizations includes a mechanical device that assists with loading large oxygen tanks into the ambulance, which will help to prevent back injuries among paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

“These eight new ambulances are a welcome morale boost for our crews and long overdue to replace our aging fleet,” said Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Acting Chief Spencer Yamamoto in the release.

“These updated ambulances will enhance our ability to provide better care to our patients. The goal is to better and more effectively serve the community in times of medical emergencies,” said Yamamoto.

Waianae, Salt Lake, Nanakuli, Charlie One, Pawaa One, Metro One, Baker One and Waipahu stations will each get a new ambulance to replace an old one.

Honolulu EMS has 22 units on Oahu, serving approximately one million residents and millions of visitors each year.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.