The Mingo Junction Fire/EMS Department has received a new ambulance, thanks to the support of the voters who passed a levy in 2020. The new ambulance, which arrived in July, is a 2021 Ford F-450 with a custom-made box and advanced equipment.
The new ambulance replaces an old one that was 15 years old and had mechanical and electrical issues. The old ambulance also had outdated equipment and lacked space for the paramedics and patients.
The new ambulance, which cost $250,000, was paid for by a 3-mill levy that was approved by the voters in November 2020. The levy generates about $300,000 per year for the fire/EMS department, which covers the cost of the new ambulance, as well as salaries, equipment, training, and maintenance.
The fire/EMS department serves about 3,300 residents in Mingo Junction and has a staff of 12 full-time and 12 part-time paramedics and firefighters. The department responds to about 1,200 calls per year, including medical emergencies, fires, accidents, and mutual aid requests.
The fire/EMS chief, John Wright, said that he is grateful to the voters for passing the levy and supporting the department. He said that the new ambulance will improve the quality and efficiency of the service and enhance the safety and comfort of the staff and patients.
He also said that the new ambulance will help the department meet the increasing demand and challenges of emergency medical services, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that the new ambulance has more room for personal protective equipment, ventilators, oxygen tanks, and other supplies.
The new ambulance also has a power cot and a power load system that can lift and lower patients automatically, reducing the risk of injuries for the staff and patients. The new ambulance also has a backup camera, a GPS system, a radio system, and LED lights.
The new ambulance was officially put into service on August 1. The fire/EMS department held an open house on August 14 to showcase the new ambulance and thank the community for their support.
0 Comments