DANTE, VIRGINIA, FEBRUARY 5, 2024 — The Dante Rescue Squad has proudly placed a new ambulance in service. The vehicle is funded through a grant from the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund, administered by the Virginia Department of Health and the Office of Emergency Medical Services. The vehicle is a RAM 5500, four-wheel drive. The ambulance was built on the RAM chassis by Braun Ambulance Industries in Van Wert, Ohio. It is a Chief XL which is classified as the crown jewel of the Braun lineup. The model provides optimum room, storage and comfort.
The ambulance is equipped with several top-of-the-line accessories. The controls are highly computerized for the driver’s compartment as well as the patient’s compartment. The patient compartment is equipped with the Stryker Power-Load Cot and Fastner System. This system is specifically designed for comfort for the patient and safety of the ambulance crew in loading and unloading the stretcher. There is very little lifting to do. The squad was responsible for the lettering/striping, supplies and a few other items to make the ambulance road ready.
Michael D. Berg, of the Office of Emergency Medical Service, told Dante Rescue Squad, “We are excited that we were able to help your agency without the financial burden any new purchase creates in these challenging times.” We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Berg and the Rescue Squad Assistance Fund committee for their help in our squad obtaining this vehicle.
The new ambulance replaces a 2005 GMC ambulance that had been in service for about nineteen years. The ambulance was still in service at the time that it was replaced. The ambulance had served the agency well.
Dante Rescue Squad is an all-volunteer organization that provides emergency medical services to parts of Russell, Dickenson and Wise counties. All services are provided free of charge and no member receives any pay for the duties that they perform. The squad operates on funds from county allotments, donations, grants and fundraising activities. The grants are written by squad members. Dante Rescue Squad invites the public to stop by and see the new ambulance.
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