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Medic makes significant progress in repairing ambulances after engine issue

Medic says 26 of 34 ambulances affected by engine issues have been repaired after a Defenders investigation revealed widespread engine issues in its fleet.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – There is a major update to an NBC Charlotte Defenders investigation about local ambulances breaking down.

NBC Charlotte has learned Medic has now repaired many of its ambulances after a Defenders investigation revealed widespread engine issues in its fleet.

The Defenders: Medic gives progress report on ambulance repairs

Our investigation uncovered several cases of ambulances becoming not drivable with patients inside. On Wednesday, Medic gave a progress report on repairs.

The Defenders: Ambulances breaking down with patients inside

NBC Charlotte has been giving updates on the ambulance repairs every step of the way. Now, there is some good news to report.

Medic said 26 of 34 Terra Star ambulances affected by engine issues have been repaired. Terra Star ambulances make up about half of Medic’s fleet. Twenty-one of those ambulances had engines replaced altogether and the others had a variety of repairs.

Medic as a total of 72 ambulances, 34 of them being Terra Star ambulances.

Medic said the manufacturer, Navistar, is paying for all the repairs. It comes after NBC Charlotte revealed ambulances having engine issues while carrying patients. In fact, maintenance records obtained by the NBC Charlotte Defenders team show ambulances became not drivable on several occasions just this year.

When asked if the engine issues could reoccur, Medic responded by saying they’re not concerned in the short-term. However, long-term they’re looking into grants to help replace the ambulances altogether.

Medic says the other eight ambulances are scheduled for repairs this spring, because of the availability of certain parts.

Stick with WCNC.com for the latest Defenders investigations.

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