By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Over a year ago, the Great Bend Fire Department and EMS staff began the process of ordering a new ambulance for their fleet. Fire Chief Brent Smith said the good news is the department has the money saved to purchase a new vehicle. The bad news is the manufacturer estimates a three-year wait until the ambulance is delivered to Great Bend.
Smith said the first specifications he looks for in purchasing an ambulance regard the safety of the patient and his crew and then it is practical use.
"You have to look at the type of calls we run around here," said Smith. "You have to make sure what is in the back of the truck actually is usable for those that are helping the patient. That's the worst day of their life, and the last thing they need to have is us not being able to do our jobs."
A motion to purchase a new ambulance will be placed on the Great Bend City Council agenda for the March 18 meeting.
When it comes to replacing an ambulance, Smith said generally the decision is not because of the miles on the vehicle, but rather the hours.
"We don't respond but a few miles to go on a call, but the ambulance may sit in idle while we're working on the patient in their house," said Smith. "We go to the hospital, and they have to sit in idle a little bit there. Everything in the back of that truck is climate controlled. The medications have to stay a certain temperature or they have to be thrown out."
Great Bend has four ambulances for service, and Smith said it is not uncommon to have three out at the same time.