EMS to purchase additional upgraded ambulance

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) plans to upgrade a second ambulance in its fleet, with a new addition expected to be operatable as early as May 2020. Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw received a bid of $126,342 for a generator-powered ambulance module from Frazer, a Texas-based manufacturer, contracted through the county in the past. Towns County received an upgraded ambulance module from Frazier in May 2019.

The ambulance modules, also referred to as the “box” where patients are treated, can be remounted to the cab and chassis of the vehicle approximately 5 or 6 times. “We did the math last year and it’s more money upfront, but you save money in the long run because of the remounts that we were doing,” Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw explained, adding that electrical wiring and leaks were issues in the past.

The updated edition is constructed of steel and will carry twice the capacity than the one it will replace, necessary in the event of a multi-casualty accident. The module features a generator and bright LED lighting, allowing medics to function more efficiently in dimly-lit emergencies. The cab and chassis of the ambulance are expected to be purchased through Jacky Jones dealership which will include a trade-in on the 2011 F350 model currently in service.

Frazer is the leading builder of emergency service vehicles and generator-powered custom EMS vehicles. The company has been in business since 1956 and is a growing organization with over 190 employees. We specialize in EMS vehicles suitable for licensing and use as mobile clinics, mobile stroke units, and ambulances.

Towns County EMS responds to approximately 2,000 calls per year, providing coverage for the county and transfers for Chatuge Regional Hospital. The crew is composed of paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Staffing consists of one ambulance staged at two stations, 24-hours every day of the year. Each station has an additional ambulance fully equipped and ready to respond as needed, amounting to a total of four ambulances. An all-terrain vehicle is available for off-road response and rescue. Furthermore, a multi-casualty trailer capable of treating and stabilizing 75 trauma patients is available, as well as a mobile trailer capable of equipping a 50 person shelter.

Featured Image: Towns County EMS received “Med 4” in May 2019.