STATE COLLEGE – Centre LifeLink has a new addition to its fleet, but it isn’t to transport patients.
The recently acquired remote-controlled ambulance is a fully-automated robot, which is shaped like an ambulance that moves, speaks, listens, blows its siren and turns on lights just like a real ambulance.
The mini ambulance offers a fun, non-threatening way to provide young children with important safety messages since it’s their size and can communicate with them at eye level.
“Kids are extremely receptive to it,” said marketing manager, Lauren Shurgalla. “It’s a great tool because it shows kids that something they may be afraid of doesn’t have to be scary.”
Centre LifeLink attends dozens of community events throughout the year, and often visits local daycares and pre-schools to teach kids about injury prevention and 911.
“In addition to showing the kids the real ambulance, we can use this mini-ambulance to help explain safety protocols we are trying to instill in kids from a young age,” explained Shurgalla.
The miniature ambulance will be making several appearances throughout the month of August with the mission of finding a new name. Centre LifeLink is asking kids, grades K-6, to submit an idea for a name for the mini-ambulance.
The winning name selected will be engraved in a license plate on the ambulance, and the winner will receive two passes to Delgrosso’s Amusement Park, a summer prize package from the State College Spikes, and a $25 Wal-Mart gift card provided by Centre LifeLink.
Submissions are being accepted until Aug. 23 online at www.centrelifelink.com, or by regular mail at Centre LifeLink EMS, P.O. Box 272, State College, PA 16804.
Participants should be sure to include their name, address and phone number if they’re mailing their submission.
Questions can be directed to Marketing Manager, Lauren Shurgalla at Lshurgalla@centrelifelink.com or 814 237-8163, ext. 228.