Gazette News
The Emporia Gazette
CHASE COUNTY, Kan. — Chase County recently purchased a new ambulance, replacing an older model, in use since 2008.
“It was having some body issues. It had a few miles put on it. Ambulances get driven hard,” said Chase County EMS director Scott Harris. “It was just time to be replaced.”
Harris said the latest addition to their two-vehicle fleet — the other, a 2013 model — will allow for a more pleasant ride.
“It’s an upgrade from our current ambulances,” he said. “Any patient that rides in it will feel a different, more comfortable ride, due to the type of suspension. It’s also a quieter ambulance. It’s just better for the patient in the long run.”
Scott added noise reduction will also help EMT personnel better hear body functions such as inspiration-expiration.
The cost of the Ford-made 2025 custom Traumahawk ambulance was approximately $252,000. Most of that expense was covered by an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. ARPA grants stem from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 that furnished funds for emergency services —EMTs and paramedics — to help state and local governments address COVID-19 and other emergency medical needs.
The county also acquired two heart monitors, replacing ones that reached their manufacturer shelf life. The price tag was $90,000. However, another grant underwrote their purchase.
“They’re going to help with our patients, too,” Scott said. “We were coming to a point where they would no longer be supported for care and preventative maintenance. “So we had this grant come up, and we just took advantage of it.”
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