Overton County modernizing its emergency fleet through a $305,400 state grant, funding the purchase of a new ambulance and specialized loading equipment.
Overton County Ambulance Services Director Chris Masiongale said the funding originates from a federal grant being distributed by the state to some 88 counties. Masiongale said the grant is specifically designated for the purchase of an ambulance and its corresponding loading system. Masiongale said his team works diligently to ensure their vehicles are in top shape.
“It has to be safe not only for the crew members, but for the patients that we’re transporting as well,” Masiongale, We want to be able to get to the scene, we want to be able to render care and then transport that patient adequately and safely to the appropriate facility, whichever it may be.”
Masiongale said the department currently operates eight units and the new vehicle will replace an existing high-mileage ambulance.
Masiongale said the service responds to between 500 and 600 calls per month, including long-distance transfers to Nashville that can add 300 miles to a vehicle in a single trip. Masiongale said he expects this new truck to last for three years.
“When you’re running that many calls, you rack those miles up on those ambulances rather quickly,” Masiongale said. “And so the state of Tennessee only allows an ambulance to have or to stay in service a certain length of time and miles. And after you hit 200,000 miles on a diesel engine, then you have to have that truck inspected every 30,000 miles to make sure that it is continues to be road-worthy.”
Masiongale said the new unit is a Ford F-350 diesel, which provides the necessary chassis strength to carry the heavy aluminum patient compartment. Masiongale said the vehicle includes liquid springs on the rear axles to ensure a smoother ride for patients with sensitive injuries. Masiongale said outfitting the ambulance with the proper loading equipment, along with routine maintenance can be costly.
“We change brakes on our ambulance probably at least every three months, if not sooner,” Masiongale said. “We change rotors, you know, at least every six months. A lot of abuse. You know, tires, oh my goodness. We buy tires left and right. It’s just because we put so many miles on and it has to be road-worthy.”
Masiongale said the ambulance was funded entirely through a state grant, with no match for the local government.
“We are grateful to the State of Tennessee and the federal government for providing this funding,” Masiongale said. “It helps ease the burden on taxpayer dollars.”
Masiongale said the department will save money by transferring a power cot from the decommissioned unit into the new vehicle. Overton emergency services on average respond to 10 to 15 calls per day and save numerous lives, according to Masiongale.
“Ambulances are I don’t know how we could do it without them, to be honest with you,” Masiongale said. “Same way with our law and fire.”
Masiongale said the left over money can be used for administrative costs related to the grant but can not be used for other purchases.
