Anderson County EMS has a new ambulance in their fleet. Thanks to a $194,450 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation. The new ambulance, a 2016 multi-use unit with only 25,000 miles, went into operation in mid-January. It replaces another 2016 unit with over 250,000 miles used primarily for inter-facility transfers. Anderson County EMS Director Troy Armstrong says the new ambulance offers not only mechanical reliability but includes several enhanced features that allow for effective and efficient delivery of care, with added safety for patients and technicians, including power-assistance for the on-board oxygen tank and stretcher, along with locking mechanisms that fully secure the stretcher while en route.
With the new ambulance in operation, Anderson County Hospital’s Board of Trustees will donate the department’s retired ambulance to Neosho County Community College for use in their Emergency Medical Technician Training Program. Anderson County EMS hosts the hands-on EMT courses in Garnett for students enrolled at Neosho’s Ottawa campus, and this vehicle will serve as a critical training tool.
