The Big Sandy Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Department is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of the Montana Department of Transportation EMS Grant Program Award. The department has been awarded $196,200, which is 90% of the cost of a new Type 1 Ambulance equipped with a Stryker Power Load and Power Cot system. The department will be responsible for the remaining 10%, valued at $21,800.

This new ambulance will serve as a replacement for one of the older ambulances. The oldest ambulance was purchased in 1998 and the newest in 2003. Both rigs have been dependable vehicles, but are showing their age.

The Stryker Power Load system will enable our EMTs to load patients into the ambulance without having to lift them. The department currently owns a power cot, which hydraulically lifts the legs and wheels of the cot, but it still requires the EMTs to lift and hold the patient while this process occurs. The power load system will help to prevent injuries and ease transport of patients. The department is also hoping to add a Life Pack 15, so that both ambulances will be The Life Pack 15 will complement our existing unit, provided to the department by “Mission: Lifeline”, an American Heart Association initiative aimed at improving the system of case of heart attack patients throughout rural Montana.

If you would like to contribute towards the remaining cost of the ambulance, you can support the Fire Department by a direct donation or by purchasing tickets for the “Chili Feed Raffle”. Information on the raffle will follow in a subsequent article.