Loyal Ambulance Service purchases new ambulance

When an emergency occurs, it’s important for EMTs to be able to arrive on the scene quickly and safely.

“We owe it to the people we serve to have a reliable vehicle when the need arises,” said Loyal Ambulance Service Assistant Chief Dave Esselman.

The Loyal Ambulance Service is pleased to announce the purchase of a new ambulance to continue to provide lifesaving care during medical emergencies. The ambulance went into service April 26, replacing the previous 2012 model. The old ambulance was sold to River Hills/ Lake Wylie Emergency Medical Services in South Carolina, which needed a second ambulance.

The Loyal Ambulance Service aims to rotate a new ambulance into service every 10 years. In 2012, the crew began setting money aside for a new vehicle. However, the amount the service was able to save was not enough to keep up with inflation. In 2012, the cost for a new ambulance was about $158,000. Now, the price has ballooned to almost $250,000.

“In 2022, we called around and with skyrocketing costs, we didn’t have the funds to purchase one on our own,” said Ambulance Chief Rick Szymanski.

Thankfully, the Loyal Ambulance Service was able to apply for and successfully receive an EMS Flex Grant, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) as an allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The DHS offered $32 million in FLEX grants to EMS providers across the state, with Loyal receiving $102,355.

“We were very happy with the amount we got. Between that and what we had saved, we were able to order a new

The Loyal Ambulance Service’s new vehicle (left) was put into service April 26 and was purchased with the help of an EMS Flex Grant.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO

from p. 1

ambulance,” said Szymanski.

The new ambulance has a gas engine instead of a diesel, which will save on fuel and maintenance costs. The exterior has a new look, but the interior is outfitted with the equipment transferred over from the old ambulance.

Esselman expressed appreciation for Szymanski for seizing the grant opportunity.

“When it came up, we knew that we had to act on it right away. He really did the legwork to make it happen. It made our wishes come true to have an updated, 2023 model,” said Esselman.

The Loyal Ambulance Service serves the city of Loyal, the towns of Loyal and Beaver, and the the northern third of the town of York (Highway H is the dividing line). Szymanski and Esselman expressed gratitude to local municipalities for faithfully contributing to the ambulance service.

“A lot of appreciation goes to the municipalities for funding. Without their support and desire to make sure people of our service area are well taken care of, it wouldn’t happen,” said Szymanski.

More about the Loyal Ambulance Service About 15 volunteer members respond to about 110-120 calls per year. Typically, three people respond to each call.

“We are always looking for good, dedicated people to join us,” said Szymanski.

Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Szymanski or Esselman.

Next on the Loyal Ambulance Service’s wish list is a new automated external defibrillator (AED). An AED can be used to shock a patient’s heart into an effective rhythm, but that’s not its only function. The ambulance crew uses the AED to monitor vital signs like blood pressure, O2 saturation and pulse.

“It’s used on every run,” said Szymanski.

A new AED will cost about $45,000. The ambulance service is conducting a brat fry June 6 at Loyal City Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to raise funds.