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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
CITY OF NEW ORLEANS
DR. JULLETTE SAUSSY, DIRECTOR

EMS bar

Jeb S. Tate
Public Information Officer
jstate@cityofno.com
(504) 905-1396

PRESS RELEASE
February 9, 2009

 

NEW ORLEANS EMS BEGINS USING THE HOWLER SIREN

New EMS SUV sprint vehicles are equipped with the latest Whelen technology in emergency lighting and sirens. The ‘howler” is a new siren that emits a low frequency bass tone that is able to penetrate vehicles up to 200 feet away. Drivers and pedestrians will be able to “feel” approaching EMS vehicles.

Traditional sirens use a high frequency tone which may not be as easily heard. Many new model cars are configured with passenger compartments that reduce or buffer ambient noise making traditional sirens difficult to hear. Drivers will now be able to feel the bass from the howler siren. 


The howler is currently installed in 7 SUV sprint vehicles and will be installed on all new ambulances.  


“The new siren is great for maneuvering through dense traffic allowing for a faster response to emergency calls,” says EMS Deputy Director Carl Flores. “This new technology should aid in the reduction of response times to emergencies.” 


For more information contact:
Jeb Tate
(504) 905-1396
jstate@cityofno.com

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