MLAF Raises $100,000

by Mary Jackson

For over 50 years, the Mille Lacs community has carried on a tradition of supporting its health system with both time and dollars. Thanks to the generosity of over 80 individuals and dozens of organizations and businesses in this area and beyond, Mille Lacs Area Foundation was able to reach its goal of $100,000 to purchase a new ambulance.

Peter Lindbloom, Director of Emergency & Ambulance Services, and Judy Oslin, Ambulance Coordinator, recently expressed appreciation toward members of the Mille Lacs Area Foundation and everyone else who worked so hard on the project. Lindbloom stated: “The success of the fundraising is attributable to the fact that many people saw a legitimate need for a new ambulance.”

Although $100,000 is a substantial amount of money, Lindbloom says that while they didn’t purchase a “cadillac,” “We looked at five or six different models and chose the one that best met our needs and budget.”

“The new ambulance was used the first day we got it,” he nodded with an approving smile.

The recently-acquired vehicle has pretty much the same types of medical equipment as the older models, but with newer, more reliable versions. “Several of the upgrades on the new ambulance are safety-related,” Oslin explained. “Some time ago, we had two ambulances in deer crashes within a short period of time. One vehicle was usable, but the other one couldn’t be driven.” The new vehicle has a “deer guard” – a heavy-duty metal grill guard – which protects the engine compartment and radiator. In most cases, the ambulance can still be driven if it collides
with a deer.

Although electric mirrors might be considered a frivolous extra on the family car, they actually become a safety feature on an emergency vehicle. “We have 13 different trained ambulance drivers - all of different heights and sizes,” Lindbloom declared. “When an individual enters the ambulance on a call-out, speed is of the essence. Being able to quickly and efficiently line up mirrors and personal lines of vision helps to streamline the process.”

Another added safety feature is the up-dated version of flashing emergency lights. The new LED lights are much brighter and the panel on the front of the vehicle doesn’t operate from a mechanical motor, so there is less chance of mechanical failure.

Although the local ambulance system’s vehicles are all equipped with reliable, up-to-date medical equipment, this latest addition to the fleet ensures that MLHS will continue to provide safe, efficient transportation for critically ill or injured patients, as well as its 30-plus Emergency Medical Technicians stationed in Isle and Onamia.