In the first week of December 2025, the Demers team hit the road for a two-day tour, showcasing the new FXP 174 to paramedic services across the Greater Toronto Area to get field-based insights that will directly impact the future of this EMS World Expo Innovation Awards-winning Ambulance. The air was crisp, the atmosphere energized, and from the very first stop, one thing was clear: people were curious.
Curious to step inside.
Curious to explore.
Curious to challenge.
Curious to dream.
This is exactly what the road show was designed for.
Our first stop brought us to Toronto Paramedic Services Headquarters, where a steady stream of medics and leaders cycled in and out of the vehicles. The space filled quickly. With the stretcher removed, twelve people stepped into the care module to explore the layout, workflow, and accessibility up close.
During these conversations, one paramedic explained that for critical care transport, their team often needs up to six caregivers in the back: perfusionists, surgeons, IVPs, and additional clinicians, depending on the patient’s condition. In those moments, space matters more than ever, and it is exactly where this vehicle delivers.
As one chief summarized: “It all comes down to how many people you can carry.”
And right before that conversation happened, one moment had already set the tone for the entire tour. A paramedic walked into the room and said out loud, with genuine surprise:
“Wow.”
This word, unplanned and unfiltered, captured everything we hoped for.
Lighting that drew praise
Both at TPS and York, the new lighting system received consistent compliments. Some appreciated the brightness. Others liked the visibility and contrast it offered for clinical tasks. But one comment stood out:
“I love the different colors. They’re great for entertaining kids and helping them relax.”
Simple. Practical. Exactly the kind of insight only medics can provide.
York region: a larger space, more conversations
At York Region Paramedic Services, the setting shifted to a spacious station, the kind of environment where people linger, discuss, test, and imagine. Several services made the trip to join the showcase: Simcoe County, Halton Region, Oneida Nation, Middlesex-London, Muskoka, Brant/Brantford, and Oxford County.
As in Toronto, paramedics rolled up their sleeves and got to work, not as critics, but as collaborators. They opened compartments, tested latches, measured storage spaces, and challenged the layouts with their day-to-day realities.
They asked:
“Where would this go?”
“What if we need quicker access to that?”
“Could this be adjusted for neonatal?”
Their feedback was thorough, thoughtful, and invaluable.
Engineers taking notes…lots of them!
Our engineering team followed closely behind, clipboards in hand, capturing every detail. Every preference. Every ergonomic concern. Every workflow insight.
Because if there was one message that defined this tour, it came from a manager on the TPS team:
“Medics are the experts. Figure out what you need, and we will make it happen.”
A partnership focus: not just a tour, but a conversation
The FXP 174 was praised as a strong “as-is” platform, close to what’s needed for today’s demands. But services didn’t shy away from pointing out gaps, and we welcomed every one of them because the road show was about co-designing the next generation of Canadian ambulances together.
The tour also opened doors for deeper discussions.
York’s internal technical team explored maintenance questions and power-load systems. Teams expressed interest in visiting our facility to see remount operations and FXP production firsthand. Oneida Nation Paramedics shared insights from their smaller fleet and remote operations. Representatives referenced what they’d seen at EMS World, recognizing how our solutions stand apart.
At every stop, collaboration was the theme.
As one MOH representative shared: “Our goal is to make these guys (paramedics) happy. If they want it, we will make sure it meets the requirements.” And Robert from the Ontario Paramedic Association summed it up perfectly: “It’s a great initiative. It makes it different from regular conferences.”
Want the tour to come to you?
After two days of meaningful conversations, hundreds of touchpoints, and countless ideas exchanged, one thing became clear:
This road show matters.
Because it brings us closer to the people who know ambulances best: the paramedics, the fleets, the chiefs, the educators, the ones who live inside these vehicles every day.
If your service or region wants to explore the FXP 174, test equipment layouts, or start the conversation about your future fleet needs…
We’d be happy to bring the road show to you. Reach out to the Demers team!