| Hospital
has new ambulance
St Mary’s Hospital received a new ambulance recently to replace their secondary vehicle. The new ambulance was purchased through a grant from Idaho’s Emergency Medical Services Bureau. 
According to the grant application which was submitted in May, 2009, the SMHC ambulance service had 202 requests and transported 196 patients in 2008. Their older ambulance is 11 years old with over 100,000 miles. “We certainly appreciate the support of the City of Cottonwood and Idaho County during our grant application process,” said Pam McBride, SMHC/CVHC Grants Coordinator. “We’re also fortunate for the opportunity to apply to the EMS Bureau when we need specialized emergency equipment or an up to date ambulance.” The ambulances are not only used in emergency runs, but are also used to transport patients to Lewiston or Spokane for specialized medical treatment. The new vehicle was purchased through Sawtooth Emergency Vehicles, Boise, Idaho. “Having a new vehicle helps ensure that our patients receive the best transport possible and we don’t have to fear any breakdowns along the way,” said Charles Butler, RN, Coordinator of the SMH Ambulance Service. “We’ll have an orientation session for our EMTs so everyone knows where every thing is on the new vehicle.” Butler is responsible for EMT training and supervision. |
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