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By ZACHARY SEIFTER/ Staff Writer

 

The Thorsby Town Council once again discussed different avenues for establishing ambulance service for the town during its meeting on Aug. 2.

In the meeting on July 19, Fire Chief Josh Parker presented a used ambulance that was being sold for $25,000 to be considered by the council. However, a day later that ambulance was sold to a different buyer, according to Parker.

Parker highlighted that the past weekend for ambulance response time in Thorsby, as well as the rest of the county, was not good, an example for why the town needs action on its serious ambulance problem.

“It’s kind of coincidental that we brought this up when we did and then after this weekend we’re talking about so many calls around the county,” Parker said. “… You’re talking about 45 minutes [for a response].”

The long response times were a possible cause for some unfortunate results over the weekend. Thorsby Town Clerk Crystal Smith stated her neighbor had a heart attack and was unable to get to a hospital in a timely manner. He passed away.

“It’s getting them to the hospital that saves lives,” Parker said. “You know, the immediate action that we take when we get there [helps], but if you’re talking about 45 minutes for a response for a dire medical emergency … that’s crucial time, and that’s just too long.”

Parker and the council discussed possibly leasing an ambulance as well as bidding one out as possible options. The discussion on what steps need to be taken will continue going forward.