LANSING, Mich. — Delhi Township Fire Department is upgrading one of its ambulances to improve response time and provide better services.
“Every second counts when it comes to saving lives, which is why these upgrades are necessary,” Delhi Township Fire Chief Brian Ball said. “By repairing this ambulance, rather than purchasing a new one, we are saving nearly $90,000 while improving response time and enhancing the quality of service we provide our residents.”
Delhi Township said that the upgrades are possible due to a millage that was passed in 2018.
"One of the things that we always want to make sure of is that the use of millage funds is used in the most efficient, most appropriate way possible," Tracy Miller, Delhi Township manager, said.
So the township has decided to retrofit one of its ambulances. Later this month, the township will send the ambulance off to be updated.
"What will ultimately happen is the existing box will be taken off of our existing ambulance," Miller said.
The new box will give EMTs more room to work and better access to the equipment stored in the patient area. It will also provide more room for improved technology at a much lower price than buying a new one.
Other upgrades include a new floor, door handles, and lights.
The new equipment will include a CPR machine that could save hundreds of lives by automating consistent chest compression that won't tire out first responders.
The upgrades will be completed sometime in 2020, according to Delhi Township.
Miller said it took a lot of budgeting to do the updates, but it still saved tax dollars in the end.
"Keeping that equipment current and keeping that stuff up-to-date really enables the first responders to do the best job that they can do."
The township has done this with vehicles in the past and said the old ambulance will run like a brand new one.
Watch the video below to see how the new CPR machine works.
The Delhi Fire Department has been putting three ambulances on the street, with the fourth serving as a backup. The township is hoping to have the fourth ambulance back on the roads in about three months.
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