The Audrain Ambulance District has a new mode of transporting patients that's not a traditional ambulance, but it's just as reliable, AAD officials say.
Using funds from the budget, the district recently purchased a 2011 John Deere XUV (8-25I) Gator, equipped with a trailer and accessories.
The all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a backboard, stoke baskets that are designed for all terrain extrications, advanced life support equipment, and compartments for other needed items. It also has all the important accessories, such as extra lighting and a winch if needed.
Other brands and styles were researched, but AAD board members and Administrator Kevin Payne felt the Gator was the best choice, plus they were able to purchase it locally, from the Sydenstricker Implement Co.
The primary reason for the purchase, Payne said, was for use at public events and home football games. Its first appearance was at Mexico's homecoming game against Fulton.
"We'd been kicking around the idea about purchasing one for a while," said Payne. "We found if we were dedicated to an event and we got a call, the ambulance would have to leave that event without coverage while it ran the emergency. And for events where we just provide a stand-by service, it's the same issue. That event would have no service until the ambulance was able to return. The Gator eliminates all those concerns.
"Now, if we get a call and have to leave, the Gator is equipped to stay on the scene, and can transport within minutes if needed."
Payne said the Gator will also be useful in field rescues. Recalling two incidents that occurred last winter, he said the Gator would have been handy.
"We had two separate accidents that occurred during hunting season. One, the hunter fell from a tree stand and broke both legs, and couldn't walk; the other was also hurt, but not as severely. In both cases, we couldn't get the ambulance into the areas to bring them out, so we had to walk in and physically carry them out.
"In cases like that, you never know where the hunters are going to be. It would have been nice if they had been right next to the road, but they weren't," Payne said. "When it's serious time, it's critical time, and we need something we can rely on. And, the Gator is the answer."
Payne said the Gator will also be useful for farming accidents and injuries as well.
The Gator, with all of its accessories, is valued at $17,881. The trailer costs $1,625.
"We've been able to use it once, and plan to use it at every home football game," Payne said. It will also be available for public events around the county, and of course for motorcross races, and in the snow and mud, he said.
Last year, the district had to borrow Gators to get through the snowfall that covered Audrain County with some 20 inches of snow.
"Sydenstricker Implement was kind enough to loan them to the district. This year, we will be prepared. Now that we have our own."
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The Audrain Ambulance District has a new mode of transporting patients that's not a traditional ambulance, but it's just as reliable, AAD officials say.
Using funds from the budget, the district recently purchased a 2011 John Deere XUV (8-25I) Gator, equipped with a trailer and accessories.
The all-terrain vehicle is equipped with a backboard, stoke baskets that are designed for all terrain extrications, advanced life support equipment, and compartments for other needed items. It also has all the important accessories, such as extra lighting and a winch if needed.
Other brands and styles were researched, but AAD board members and Administrator Kevin Payne felt the Gator was the best choice, plus they were able to purchase it locally, from the Sydenstricker Implement Co.
The primary reason for the purchase, Payne said, was for use at public events and home football games. Its first appearance was at Mexico's homecoming game against Fulton.
"We'd been kicking around the idea about purchasing one for a while," said Payne. "We found if we were dedicated to an event and we got a call, the ambulance would have to leave that event without coverage while it ran the emergency. And for events where we just provide a stand-by service, it's the same issue. That event would have no service until the ambulance was able to return. The Gator eliminates all those concerns.
"Now, if we get a call and have to leave, the Gator is equipped to stay on the scene, and can transport within minutes if needed."
Payne said the Gator will also be useful in field rescues. Recalling two incidents that occurred last winter, he said the Gator would have been handy.
"We had two separate accidents that occurred during hunting season. One, the hunter fell from a tree stand and broke both legs, and couldn't walk; the other was also hurt, but not as severely. In both cases, we couldn't get the ambulance into the areas to bring them out, so we had to walk in and physically carry them out.
"In cases like that, you never know where the hunters are going to be. It would have been nice if they had been right next to the road, but they weren't," Payne said. "When it's serious time, it's critical time, and we need something we can rely on. And, the Gator is the answer."
Payne said the Gator will also be useful for farming accidents and injuries as well.
The Gator, with all of its accessories, is valued at $17,881. The trailer costs $1,625.
"We've been able to use it once, and plan to use it at every home football game," Payne said. It will also be available for public events around the county, and of course for motorcross races, and in the snow and mud, he said.
Last year, the district had to borrow Gators to get through the snowfall that covered Audrain County with some 20 inches of snow.
"Sydenstricker Implement was kind enough to loan them to the district. This year, we will be prepared. Now that we have our own."
