Upgrading the ambulance fleet

Q&A with Laurie Zeil, ambulance director of the Wittenberg Area Fire/Ambulance Protective Service.
By: 
Miriam Nelson
News Editor

Editor’s Note: The Wittenberg Area Fire/Ambulance Protective Service recently purchased an ambulance to replace one that was no longer functional. Laurie Zeil, ambulance director, answered questions regarding the recent addition to the fleet.

Q: What did you purchase and when did you take delivery?

A: The WAFAP purchased a PL Custom 2017 Ford E-450 Medallion demo ambulance from Pomasl Fire Equipment in Antigo. The ambulance is a 2017 vehicle with only 4,000 miles on it. It has a power cart for lifting gurneys in and out of the vehicle and also has a 100,000-mile warranty. We took delivery of the new ambulance on Oct. 9

Q: Did the EMT’s need any extra training for the new ambulance?

A: At our monthly meeting, we completed the stocking of the inside of the ambulance and became familiar with its layout and where items were stored. The drivers were able to familiarize themselves with the lights, siren and other functions needed for driving. Once all that was completed we did a self-inspection of the ambulance, which was faxed to the state prior to putting the ambulance in service.

Q: Did you need to do any work on the exterior or the interior?

A: Once the district approved the purchase of this ambulance, our EMS crew and drivers had an opportunity to look at the inside of the ambulance. The only addition to the inside was a LifePack 15 monitor holder so that our Lifepack could be secured in place. The outside of the ambulance was a basic white color, so we were able to sit down and choose a design we wanted. Once we had a design put together and approved, the ambulance was taken to FlipSide in Wausau to have the graphics put on it. We wanted it to have similar colors as our Med 2 but also want to incorporate new graphics to set it apart from other services.

Q: Where did you sell the old ambulance?

A: Our 2009 ambulance was sold on the Wisconsin Public Surplus auction site and purchased for $5,820. In general, used ambulances do not have a huge resale value as they tend to have a lot of miles on them. Many people by them for cleaning services or construction vehicles for hauling items.

Q: What areas will benefit from this purchase?

A: The WAFAPS is an independent nonprofit, partially funded by the village and the Town of Wittenberg. Additionally, they hold contracts to service the Town of Franzen and the village of Elderon to provide both fire and ambulance service. They also contract with the Town of Morris for fire service and the Town of Almon to provide ambulance service.

Q: How was the purchase financed?

A: The WAFAPS contributed $40,000 toward the purchase of the ambulance, and the Town of Wittenberg and the Village of Wittenberg each contributed $25,000 and the remaining $70,000 was borrowed from the Town of Wittenberg at a 2% interest rate.

Q: What qualifications are needed to work as an ambulance staff?

A: We are always looking for EMTs and drivers. Small volunteer EMS services struggle to attract EMTs. Most people who are in EMT classes are looking to do it as a full-time career.

There are several levels of EMS providers, ranging from EMR (emergency first responder) to Paramedic. Each level has its own training requirements. Our service runs as an AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician) service which means that we are required to have at least one AEMT or higher on call at all times along with a second EMR or higher.

If anyone is interested in becoming an EMT or driver, they should contact any of our EMS members or district board members.