The Nelson Rescue Squad currently has two ambulances, the newest a 2006, spent the majority of the summer in the shop. You may think having only one ambulance is not that big of a deal, and most of the time it probably isn’t. There does happen to be those times when the ambulance is out on a call, and a second call comes in, and then what? The squad can’t just leave Mr. Heart Problem to go out and take car of Ms Car Accident.
So the squad thought long and hard of what to do to remedy the situation, and a new ambulance fit the bill. The squad found Covid Relief grants through the state, applied and received two, one in the amount of $150,000 and the other $50,000. Unfortunately the grants can not be combined, and the money has to be paid by the grantee and will then be paid back by the state.
Since the grant money can not be combined, it was decided to use the $50,000 equipment grant to have the new ambulance outfitted with a Stryker Power load, to lift the cot into the ambulance. This device will help cutdown on injures for the EMS crew, and help comfort patients. If you have ever been lifted into an ambulance, you know its not always a pleasant experience.
The rescue squad had around $70,000 saved in CD’s and cashed in $30,000 of that for a downpayment. The City of Nelson plans to write the checks, and wait for reimbursement from the state, but the squad is still around $20,000 away from having all the funds necessary. The squad plans to keep the ambulance, manufactured in 2000, and will sell the 2006 model once the new ambulance is delivered, which could take 18 months or longer.
A free-will benefit will be held from 10:30 to 1:30 on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the Nelson Auditorium. Brodstone Memorial Hospital will be donating the hamburgers and members of the Rescue Squad will be making and serving the meal.
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