Pulaski County may be able to get two new ambulances, thanks to USDA grant funding. The grant would cover 75 percent of the cost of the ambulances, equipment, and two years of maintenance.
The county council and commissioners agreed last week to commit almost $129,000 as a local match. That, in turn, may be able to be covered with federal American Rescue Plan money.
Council Member Rudy DeSabatine felt it was a great opportunity. “For 25 percent of what it’s going to cost us down the road to be able to upgrade the ambulance service in the community, I mean, it’s something that we have to really look at,” he said. “Not very many opportunities like this come along, so I think it’s a great idea.”
Pulaski Memorial Hospital is helping with the grant application. Chief Nursing Officer Linda Webb said the hope is that it will help Pulaski County EMS increase its transfer radius beyond the current 65 miles. “That 65-mile radius really has hindered some of the transports, and it’s extended patient stays in the emergency room trying to find an ambulance,” she said. “And when COVID surges hit, there are hospitals that don’t have beds within that 65-mile radius.”
But she said the hospital isn’t expecting Pulaski County EMS to automatically take all of its transfers, and that it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
