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New Ambulance for North AdamsStaff reports
10:39PM / Monday, October 15, 2007
 | | Board of directors members Louis Scalise, Thomas Rumbolt, John "Jack" Leu, President Robert Moulton Jr., Steven Brown, Michael LaVersa, Elizabeth Milanesi and Vice President Dorothy Ransford join Manager John Meaney Jr. at the unveiling of the new ambulance. |
NORTH ADAMS - North Adams Ambulance Service Inc. unveiled the newest member of its fleet Monday night, giving seven members of the board of directors tours of the brand-new ambulance.
In operation since Oct. 4, the new ambulance - Unit 3 - replaces a van-style one that was too small for the service's needs.
"It gives us a lot more room, it's more comfortable for the patient and for [emergency medical services] workers and it's able to carry more equipment," said John Meaney Jr., paramedic and manager of NAAS.
Meaney said the ambulance service replaces its trucks every "three or four years, depending on wear and tear and mileage." The final mileage on the company's old Unit 3 was 120,000 miles.
"It was time for an upgrade," said Meaney.
The ambulance boasts a roomier exterior that allows emergency medical technicians to work on both sides of the patient.
"It helps us to provide better patient care because we can be operating more efficiently," Meaney said.
The cost for the unit was $80,000 (including a trade for the former ambulance) and was made possible through membership donations from Northern Berkshire residents.
"We're so thankful for everyone's support," said Meaney.
Last year’s membership drive raised approximately $43,000.
This month, the ambulance service launched its 2007 drive, which aims to raise funds for a move to electronic reporting, which will save it time, money and paper. A nonprofit organization, the ambulance service relies on the generosity of those in the community and the tax-deductible donations goes toward helping to pay for operating expenses, education courses and equipment.
The cost of a membership is $35 per household or $20 for individuals.
NAAS employs eight full-time employees and 32 part-timers. In 2006, they responded to approximately 3,600 emergency calls.
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| Excellent Progress Mr. Meaney and Staff, your constant dedication to this community and your employees is something that should be modeled by many. | | from: Jim | on: 10-16-2007 12:00AM
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