http://www.aegisveterinaryambulance.ca/html/about_us.html

Peter Westcott has served as AEGIS Veterinary Ambulance and Courier Service owner/ operator since June 2005.

Before starting this business, Peter, as a Special Provincial Constable, spent over 26 years working with the BCSPCA, where among other commendations from the public and his employer, he received an award for rescuing a dog from drowning in cold winter waters. During this period he worked with many veterinarians and their staff, endeavouring to care for injured animals, and to console their distraught owners.

In 2003 the BCSPCA officially stopped providing assistance to sick or injured animals where the owner was present, deciding instead to pursue their mandate of enforcement of anti-cruelty legislation. Peter elected to request an early retirement in 2005 and begin AEGIS Veterinary Ambulance and Courier Service.

Karla Westcott volunteers as AEGIS Veterinary Ambulance and Courier Service’s accountant and, when able, assists with transfers and emergencies. She works full time as a CGA, and has a B.Sc. in agriculture. She has also volunteered with Wildlife Rescue Association and has achieved her Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do under instruction from Perry Bateson of Yuen’s Family Martial Arts.

The Ambulance
The vehicle we selected is a Suzuki XL-7, a seven passenger SUV. With a 185 bhp V6 and separate climate controls for the front and rear compartments, it has the right features, space and power in a reliability-proven four wheel drive package. For its power and size, the vehicle is remarkably fuel efficient, even under load or on urban roads. The ride was very important, it had to be firm, stable and yet very comfortable.

The rear seats and interior of the ambulance were removed and replaced by a one-of-a-kind bed system, which rolls out of the vehicle and locks in place. The bed cushions themselves are a dense chip foam base, for stability, laminated to an overlay of orthopedic foam, for those sore, or old, bones. The puncture-resistant cushion covers are “side-seamed”, rather than along the edges, sealed and double stitched to minimize anything contaminating the foam. The bed cushions rest inside a tray system designed to drain fluids away from the animal, and into a well below. The bed can be easily removed and is sanitized after each animal is transferred

Neatly stowed beneath the bed, and accessible from either side door, are first aid supplies, towels, blankets, emergency equipment, coveralls and cleaning supplies.

At the head of the bed are 2 cases which contain gloves, oxygen masks, and other necessary medical equipment. A “jump” seat was also installed, for an attending vet or AHT, if required. Also accessible from the side doors are the documents case, our exclusive HBOT mild chamber and hooks for IV bags to be hung.

Behind the front seats, are two carriers, one for animals up to 20 pounds and the other for animals to 40 pounds, along with the direct-feed oxygen system and a reserve tank.

For updates to our ambulance system, see our “Latest News” section.