VIDEO: After decades of relying on third-party ambulance services, the Hudson Fire Protection District is taking medical response into its own hands. With 57% of voter support, the district passed a mill levy that would allow it to purchase its own fleet of ambulances. The first went into service Nov. 10. “With this ambulance, it is dramatically decreased response times for paramedics,” Chief Ken Gabrielson said.
Gabrielson explained that, earlier this year, Intermountain Health notified the fire district of its intent not to renew its ambulance contract. Up until this summer, the hospital authority had kept one ambulance at the station. “Due to some personnel issues, they decided they wanted to pull out,” Gabrielson explained. “They had an ambulance in one of our fire stations. They removed the ambulance. They still provided service, which was great, knowing we were in the process of starting our own, they said they would provide service.”
Gabrielson said the levy increased their budget to around $3 million. He said each ambulance takes about half a million dollars to get up and running. “The cost of an ambulance is about $350,000 for just the ambulance,” Gabrielson said. “To stock that ambulance, you’re looking at a $200,000-250,000. And the most expensive part of any emergency service is the manpower to run it.”
Despite the costly investments, he said they’re worth it. “From my perspective, yes,” Gabrielson said. “And from the citizen perspective, absolutely! You’re going to get a top-notch quality emergency services program at your house, sooner than it ever has been.”
