Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary presented quotes to the commissioners this week on a new ambulance to replace one that’s having ongoing maintenance issues.
Clary wants to replace the 2011 ambulance with over 221,000 miles. It’s cost the EMS Department over $20,000 in repairs in the past 3 years. Clary cited electrical and turbo problems, DEF system issues, oil cooler replacement, alternators, and EGR and water pump failures.
The quotes he received were from Wheeled Coach at about $138,000, Osage Ambulance at 139,500, Demers at almost $141,000, and Road Rescue at nearly $191,000. He prefers a gas engine ambulance as it will fit in the ambulance garages much better than a diesel truck. He noted that the diesel trucks cause more problems so he would like to stick with a gas engine.
A demo unit quote was also given, but that ambulance may no longer be available.
Clary added that he spoke to Mark Ennis from Bliss McKnight and he suggested that ambulances be placed on a regular rotation every four to seven years or up to 150,000 to 225,000 miles.
It takes about 220 days for the ambulance to be built and ready for operation.
The commissioners asked for a maintenance record on the ambulances from the Starke County Highway Department and asked for a written report from Bliss McKnight concerning the rotation of ambulances. They asked Clary to present that information to the county council at their next meeting on Monday, March 16.
