The Lake County News Sun recently published a story highlighting the Antioch Fire Department’s recent purchase of a used ambulance from the Town of Paris. This move is seen as a strategic financial decision that could significantly reduce costs as the village explores its future emergency medical services (EMS) contract options.
The village previously ended its agreement with the Antioch Rescue Squad and entered into a contract with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Services in May. That deal, which runs through November 30, includes a turn-key EMS service with two fully equipped ambulances staffed by two state-certified paramedics around the clock at the two fire stations.
Fire Chief John Nixon praised the $20,000 purchase of a 2000 International ambulance with only 22,000 miles on it. “This is a great investment that brings us closer to reducing our reliance on leasing ambulances,†he said. The current lease cost is $53,000 per ambulance annually, but equipping the used one would bring the total cost to about $35,000—a one-time expense that could save the village a substantial amount over time.
Antioch already owns one used ambulance donated by the state Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board, acquired from Winnetka with 55,000 miles on it. Nixon aims to have three ambulances in total, including a backup vehicle. He also mentioned that another used ambulance might soon be available, giving the department more flexibility in managing its fleet.
In addition to the ambulance, the department received two donated Lifepak monitors/defibrillators from the local Antioch Firefighters Association. A new ambulance can cost up to $220,000, so using capital funds for this purchase is a smart move, according to Nixon.
He hopes to eliminate one ambulance lease in the next contract year and eventually do away with the second one. Before the vehicles are put into service, they must pass an inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
While the department is moving toward greater self-sufficiency, Nixon noted that the goal is not yet to hire full-time firefighter-paramedics who could replace the outside contractor entirely. For now, Superior handles EMS within the village, while the Antioch Rescue Squad serves the unincorporated areas of the township under a separate contract.
The integration of fire and EMS services may depend on whether the First Fire District and the village proceed with a proposed consolidation. Until then, each entity will continue to handle their own ambulance contracts.
Thanks, Ron.
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