Nelson buys a new ambulance
Sandra Schendt explains how the new ambulance is out-fitted with the Striker Power-Load system which allows one person to load and unload patients with ease. Once the gurney is inside the ambulance, it is then secured in the ambulance. The outside of the ambulance has several high powered lights and amenities that help the rescue team and aid in the protection and transportation of patients.
Sandra Schendt, Nelson City Clerk and a long time member of the Nelson Rescue Squad, stands by the new Nelson ambulance. Schendt applied for grants for ambulance. Through her expertise, Nelson received two grants totaling $199,999.99 At a luncheon-fundraiser on Oct. 29, 2023, people in the community donated $32,000. The Nelson Rescue Squad donated the remaining $19,036.01. The rescue squad are all volunteers. Squad members have persistently worked to make a new ambulance a reality for the commmunity.
The inside of the new Nelson ambulance meets all the safety requirements set by the State of Nebraska. Seatbelts are required for passengers. The gurney is locked down once it is in the ambulance. A safety unit, which is harnessed down for the transportation of children and babies, is provided.
The City of Nelson was dealing with an ambulance that kept breaking down, and was becoming unreliable. It was at this time the Nelson Rescue Squad proposed buying a new ambulance, the city council agreed to their proposal at the beginning of 2023.
Sandra Schendt, Nelson city clerk, began the process of applying for grants in February of 2023. Through her skill and determination, two grants were acquired. The first one for $150,000 and the second one was for $49,999.99.
Planning a fund-raiser was next on the list, and it happened Oct. 29, 2023. Held at the city auditorium, a lunch was served. By the end of the meal, $32,000 in donations was received.
At this time $231,999.99 was raised in total, and the process of ordering an ambulance began. The company, Fyr-Tek, located in Gothenburg, was unanimously chosen to provide the ambulance. Fyr-Tek is a family-owned and operated company that strives to provide customers with high-quality, reasonably priced firefighting and emergency equipment. They pride themselves in their service-orientated teamwork approach in doing business that places customer service as top priority. Representatives from Fyr-Tek were contacted and the ordering process began.
A type three lifeline ambulance was built on a Ford E450 chassis with a V-8 gasoline engine. The ambulance has a Striker Power-Load System which enables one person to load and unload patients with ease. The system also secures down the cot or gurney when it is in the ambulance for safety reasons. The ambulance has several safety features including seatbelts for adult passengers and a seating unit that includes seatbelts which enables the transportation of children and infants. The new ambulance meets all the safety requirements set by the State of Nebraska. It has several powerful safety lights and features on the outside of the ambulance as well. A graphics package chosen for the design of the outside of the ambulance, makes the ambulance 'stand out' when on the road.
The ambulance total cost was $251,036. The remaining $19,036.01 was paid for by the rescue squad members, all of them are volunteers. The ambulance was delivered right before Christmas and became 'in service' when the paperwork was completed in January.
The Nelson Rescue Squad is preparing to have an open house in early spring to show off the new ambulance. Tours of the facility will take place, and all emergency vehicles will be on display. A meet and greet will take place with the Nelson Rescue Squad, and the new ambulance will be on display so everyone can see and it.
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