New ambulance for Mar-Mac Rescue Squad
The Mar-Mac Rescue Squad has a new ambulance—its first vehicle upgrade since 2010. The 2020 Ford F450 ambulance cost over $190,000, and is the rescue squad’s first four-wheel-drive model. (Submitted photo)
The piece of equipment the EMS crew is most excited about is the ambulance’s Stryker Power Load System that can raise and lower a cot, making it easier to load and unload patients with limited volunteers available. Here, EMT Dylan Rumph demonstrates how the system works. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
The back of the new rig is set up similarly to the old, a helpful feature for EMTs working in critical situations. (Submitted photo)
“Everything is touch screen now. Even the cab has a touch screen up there,” said EMT Samantha Rumph. “We can press a button back here and alarm them if we need to move faster.” This photo shows the touch screen in the ambulance cab. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
Fundraising now underway for cardiac monitor and defibrillator
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
The Mar-Mac Rescue Squad has a new ambulance—its first vehicle upgrade since 2010.
“We traditionally get a new one every 10 years,” said EMT Dylan Rumph, who, with his wife and fellow Mar-Mac EMT Samantha, recently spoke about the new ambulance. “That’s how long it takes to come up with the money.”
The 2020 Ford F450 ambulance cost over $190,000, and is the rescue squad’s first four-wheel-drive model.
“We have very hilly terrain, so it will be awesome, especially in the winter,” said Dylan.
The ambulance is longer and a bit taller than the previous one. It’s also powered by gas instead of diesel and has liquid suspension, which Dylan said will make rides more comfortable.
The back of the new rig is set up similarly to the old, a helpful feature for EMTs working in critical situations. There have been some upgrades, though.
“Everything is touch screen now. Even the cab has a touch screen up there,” said Sam. “We can press a button back here and alarm them if we need to move faster.”
“That’s a discreet way not to alarm the patient,” Dylan noted.
The ambulance also has blue interior track lighting and the option to dim lighting. That can help patients rest more comfortably during transport, particularly at night.
“Before, it was either pitch black or bright. No in between,” said Sam.
The piece of equipment the EMS crew is most excited about, however, is a Stryker Power Load System that can raise and lower a cot, making it easier to load and unload patients.
“You get the cot to the ambulance, it picks it up and gets it into the ambulance. It’s on a rail system,” explained Dylan. Operation is easy, he said, joking that “a 2 year old could load a patient.”
The Rumphs said the rescue squad’s previous cot weighed 90 pounds without a patient even on it, making lifting difficult. Most patients required two to three people—bodies the crew doesn’t always have.
“It’s no secret there’s a major crew shortage,” said Sam, “so there aren’t crews of three, four or five people to help lift.”
“It’s usually just a driver and provider,” Dylan added. “It’s a big improvement to get this.”
The new ambulance has been in operation since late May. Sam said Mar-Mac Rescue Squad has averaged 10 to 15 calls per month since then. The emergency service responded to 225 calls for assistance in 2020.
“Our call volume has gone up. It’s different than it was 40 years ago,” said Sam.
Adding new EMTs, first responders and drivers to the volunteer service is critical for operation.
Contributions from the community are important too. Although Mar-Mac Rescue Squad bills for service, money largely goes back into the new ambulance account and supports day-to-day operations, leaving limited resources for often expensive new equipment.
As a result, Mar-Mac Rescue Squad is currently fundraising for a new Lifepak 15 cardiac monitor and defibrillator. The current model, which was purchased over 15 years ago, is outdated and will soon no longer be supported by the manufacturer.
The $25,000 piece of equipment is essential to the emergency service.
“We use it on every call,” said Dylan.
If you’d like to help, donations can be sent to Mar-Mac Rescue, P.O. Box 386, McGregor, IA 52157. For anyone interested in volunteering, contact Dylan Rumph at dylanrumph@yahoo.com or Mike Gilman at mrgilman2003@yahoo.com.
