Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary will be looking into quotes for a new ambulance to replace an older truck on the fleet.
Clary told the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that a 2011 Chevy ambulance was recently out of service for two months to repair the DEF system and the turbo on the unit that is primarily used at the North Judson base. Clary said that the ambulance continues to be a strain on the ambulance maintenance budget.
He added that Commissioner Kathy Norem asked about a rotation system for the ambulances and to contact the insurance company to discuss that possibility.
“They do not have a set standard for our insurance standards,” said Clary. “We did contact Bliss McKnight as well and they recommended a two-year rotation, but again there’s no set policy. They said in order for a truck to be replaced it needs to have 150,000 to 225,000 miles or be four to seven years old.
The 2011 Chevy ambulance has 190,000 miles so it fits the perimeters for replacement.
The commissioners encouraged Clary to start seeking at least three quotes for a new ambulance. The commissioners have discussed the purchase in previous meetings so funding requests for the truck will be presented to the county council once quotes are obtained and approved.
Clary explained that it will take about 200 to 250 days to complete an ambulance purchase. He anticipates looking at an ambulance with a gas chassis rather than a diesel and a truck with the standard equipment.
