| | |
| |
Outline of Need:
Small Alaska communities with old, poorly operating rescue gear need rugged emergency vehicles that can go places where a standard ambulance can't.
How Rural Development Helped:
Working with regional EMS Councils as part of the federally funded "Code Blue" project, USDA Rural Development staff enabled six communities, four in Central Alaska and two in Southeast Alaska, to obtain "mini-ambulances". The ambulance units, manufactured by an Iowa firm, hold rescue gear, a gurney and accommodate medical personnel. They fit in the back of a four-wheel drive pick up truck. The cost of each unit, including the truck, is about $40,000; less than a third of the cost of a conventional ambulance. "The delivery of these vehicles represents two and a half years of effort on this particular 'Code Blue' project," said Ronni Sullivan, Executive Director of the Southern Region EMS Council in Anchorage.
"Code Blue" is a statewide effort to eradicate critical gaps in Alaska's EMS system. Many communities received ambulances, defibrillators and other rescue gear.
The Results:
Six Alaska communities are safer, and have quality rescue equipment available, thanks to USDA Rural Development and its funding partners, including the State of Alaska and the Rasmuson Foundation.
<< USDA Rural Development Assistant Director of Community and Business Programs Merlaine KUtilities Programse (left) and Ronni Sullivan, Executive Director of the Southern Region EMS Council, inspect the new Port Graham, Alaska ambulance unit.
(January 2003)
|
