Grand Chute fire department, Feb. 20, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ) — The Grand Chute Fire Department has plans to implement an ambulance service to the Town of Grand Chute residents and visitors.
While Grand Chute Fire and EMS personnel do respond to calls for service, currently the ambulance services come from Gold Cross.
“We get to the calls about 70% of the times faster than the ambulance, due to the fact that they have their rigs scattered throughout the entire county,” said Grand Chute Fire Chief Steve Denzien. “When we respond, we would be able to initiate the care faster, and transport them faster.”
The fire department is looking to purchase three ambulance units; two that are fully staffed during the day and one that can be used as a backup in the event of repairs or maintenance to the other rigs. Along with the new ambulances would come the hiring of six new paramedics.
“Currently we do have a hiring list, we just did complete a hiring assessment and we have four currently on our list,” said Chief Denzien.
The initial cost of the three ambulances is estimated at approximately $430,000 for one new, one low-mileage good used ambulance, and one higher mileage ambulance. Initial start-up costs will be covered with existing budget funding and typical capital borrowing. After the ambulance service starts generating revenue, officials say it should be self-sustaining.
On February 22, the Grand Chute Town Board will vote on weather or not to authorize ambulance services by the Grand Chute Fire Department. If approved, the Grand Chute Fire Department says they will start providing the service on Jan. 1, 2025.
To learn more about The Grand Chute Fire Department’s ambulance plan, click here.
Comments