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Marshall County Commission Accepts Ambulance Bid

After the closure of Cameron Emergency Medical Service last fall led to what local authorities called dangerously slow response times to the Cameron area, commissioners established a new EMS plan for almost 2,000 affected residents.

On Tuesday, Marshall County commissioners awarded a bid for new ambulances for the area.

Marshall County commissioners voted in December to approve the $900,000 plan, which is expected to be implemented by mid-year. The plan features new squad vehicles and supplies. Commissioners also previously approved a one-year contract with HealthNet, a private emergency services provider, for $112,195.

On Tuesday, commissioners Bob Miller and Scott Varner awarded a $397,738 bid to Northwestern Emergency Vehicles for two box truck-style ambulances. Commissioner John Gruzinskas was absent from the meeting.

The proposal was developed by a committee consisting of county Administrator Betsy Frohnapfel, 911 Director Larry Newell, Emergency Management Director Tom Hart and representatives from each volunteer EMS squad.

“This sets the timeline for our opening of our Marshall County EMS in the Cameron area. We’re hoping for July 1,” Frohnapfel said.

“We have a lot of work before then with various local entities, including local law enforcement, volunteers in the area and Cameron Continuous Care, but that’s what we’re shooting for.”

Since the closure, coverage has been supplied by Limestone EMS and Tri-State EMS.

According to Frohnapfel, the new EMS facility will be located at a former gym owned by Reynolds Memorial Hospital.

Commission President Bob Miller said the new ambulances should be the beginning of positive changes for Cameron.

“This will be a wonderful addition for the area, where we need coverage,” Miller said.

“There are no guaranteed dates, but we’re trying to get things completed, lined up by July 1. I’m just glad things are coming together. From the outside, it seems like a long process but it’s very complicated and does take time to make everything mesh.”

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