Since the very beginning, Demers Ambulances has been guided by a core belief: innovation is not just about progress, it is first and foremost about making the work easier for those who save lives. From revolutionizing ambulance design in the 1990s to redefining electrical systems for modern emergency vehicles, Demers has continuously shaped the industry by starting with the needs of its customers.
Safety as a guiding principle
In the late 1980s, Demers became a leading voice for improving paramedic safety, recognizing the urgent need to strengthen how ambulances were built. At a time when emergency vehicles were often produced without consistent safety standards and sometimes with serious consequences, Demers took action. Through strong advocacy and industry collaboration, the company helped drive the development of more rigorous manufacturing standards that came into effect in 1991. These changes marked a turning point in the professionalization of the ambulance industry, improving vehicle safety and better protecting frontline responders across the country.
Since then, this commitment has grown. Beyond meeting local requirements, Demers has voluntarily adopted design and manufacturing practices that exceed Canadian standards, particularly through dynamic testing. Whether it is the structural strength of the modules, the ergonomics of the interior layout, or the durability of components in real-world conditions, every ambulance is built with a clear goal in mind: to raise the quality and reliability of the vehicles in order to better protect those who use them every day.
Redefining ambulance design: the Mystere Series
In the early 1990s, Demers was ready to challenge traditional ambulance manufacturing in order to offer greater customization to its customers. Until then, most ambulances were converted station wagons, built primarily from steel. They were heavy, fuel inefficient, and difficult to adapt to different needs.
This marked the beginning of a shift toward modular design. Demers developed a one-piece, all-aluminum patient care module that could be mounted on a cutaway chassis. In 1994, the Mystere Series introduced a lighter and more durable design, improving both efficiency and vehicle lifespan. Its innovative production line made it possible to offer greater customization without compromising build quality, setting a new standard in the industry. The Mystere Series proved that innovation is not just about technology. It also means listening to the real needs of paramedics and fleet managers.
Revolution in electrical systems: from relays to the MMC
A major milestone in the evolution of ambulances was the shift from relay-based electrical systems to fully integrated multiplex technology, made possible through Demers’ long-standing partnership with PRAN. Earlier ambulances relied on complex wiring and mechanical relays, which increased the risk of failures and made repairs time-consuming.
- Phase 1: Relay Systems (Before the 2000s)
Traditional wiring configurations required extensive manual troubleshooting. A single electrical fault could disable critical systems, resulting in significant downtime.
- Phase 2: Early Multiplex Systems (2000 to 2010)
In collaboration with PRAN, Demers introduced the first generation of digital switching, reducing wiring complexity by up to 60 percent and cutting approximately 70 pounds from the vehicle. This advancement not only improved energy efficiency but also made maintenance easier by streamlining diagnostics. As a result, paramedics could rely on more efficient and dependable electrical systems in critical situations.
- Phase 3: MMC System (Present Day)
The Modular Multiplex Connected (MMC) system marks a major technological leap for ambulances. It enables digital control for paramedics, real-time monitoring of components, optimized maintenance, and improved reliability. Working closely with PRAN, Demers reduced vehicle wiring from 7,200 feet to 4,000 feet and cut 50 pounds in weight, directly enhancing energy efficiency and overall performance.
This innovation also lowers maintenance costs and allows for remote diagnostics, giving fleet managers the ability to detect and resolve issues faster than ever. The result is reduced downtime and improved operational availability. The system is designed to evolve over time, ensuring that electrical features can keep pace with the changing needs of emergency medical services.
As emergency services evolve rapidly, the flexibility of the MMC ensures that ambulances remain at the forefront, equipping paramedics with cutting-edge tools to navigate an ever-changing environment.
Special projects that shaped innovation at Demers
Demers’ commitment to innovation has always been driven by operational challenges faced by emergency services. Some of the most groundbreaking advancements in emergency medical services have come from bold collaborations with key partners, pushing the limits of what is possible.
Demers even took innovation as far as the railway. In 1994, Quebec Iron and Titanium commissioned Demers to develop an ambulance train. This pioneering initiative aimed to deliver emergency medical care to workers in remote industrial sites where ground ambulances were not an option. Built from a modified locomotive, the 40,000-pound ambulance train was engineered for rail stability while housing essential medical equipment, providing a vital lifeline for personnel working in isolated conditions.
To mark the turn of the millennium, Demers set out to design a vehicle that was futuristic for its time. The Millenium, built with a fully composite shell, aimed to eliminate rust-related issues entirely. Although the company moved away from composite materials a few years later, this model helped develop valuable expertise that still shows today through the aerodynamic roof designs found on current models.
In the early 2000s, Demers was awarded a contract to build storage compartments for ambulances serving emergency services in Ireland. This project not only improved the organization and accessibility of medical supplies but also led to the development of the folding step, enhancing ergonomic entry and exit for paramedics. Today, this feature is standard on all Demers ambulances, once again showing how customer-driven projects have shaped the modern design of emergency vehicles.
In 2016, Demers partnered with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to develop the Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU), a cutting-edge project aimed at delivering hospital-level care directly to patients in the field. This vehicle was built around an onboard CT scanner, enabling rapid stroke diagnosis and immediate thrombolytic treatment, drastically reducing response times and improving patient outcomes. AHS worked closely with Demers engineers and stroke specialists to optimize the vehicle layout, which included lead-lined walls for radiation shielding and a self-leveling hydraulic system to ensure precise scanning during transport.
The most recent major project that showcased Demers as a leader in innovation is the development of the eFX electric ambulance. Demers teams worked in collaboration with a panel of paramedics to completely redesign the patient care module and workspaces, with a strong focus on crew and patient safety as well as ergonomic efficiency.
Today, the innovations developed through this project are making their way into conventional ambulances and are expected to significantly improve both the work environment for paramedics and overall vehicle performance. The MMC system is a prime example. Originally developed for the electric ambulance, this new generation of multiplex technology has now become standard on all ambulances deployed across Canada.
A Legacy of industry leadership
Demers has never settled for the status quo. The company has redefined what emergency vehicles can achieve through lightweight modular construction, groundbreaking electrical systems, and ergonomic design innovations.
This ongoing pursuit of excellence has earned Demers numerous awards over the years. In 2011, the company took first place in the Productivity Improvement category at the Mercuriades, recognizing its commitment to operational excellence. That same year, Demers won the EMS World Top Innovation Award for its groundbreaking EcoSmart system.
Demers has consistently received industry recognition. The company earned the JEMS Innovative Product Award for the forward-thinking design of the Mystère MXP150. In 2023, the innovative FX Action™ Seat, developed in collaboration with Brio, was honored with a Good Design Medical Award. In 2025, Demers was awarded the Mercure for Innovative Manufacturing – Bombardier, presented by the Fédération des Chambres de Commerce du Québec.