To better serve the emergency needs of Polk County residents and visitors, the Polk County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a new ambulance for Polk County EMS and Emergency Services earlier this year.

The new ambulance, which was purchased to replace an outdated ambulance with excessive miles, includes new amenities that will help with medical emergencies, such as a cooling drawer for fluids and medications that need to be in a cooler environment, updated radios, and brighter, more energy efficient LED lighting, said Polk County EMS Director Michael Crater.

The funds for the ambulance were in the recommended budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. By approving the purchase in the current budget, Polk County saved more than $20,000.

The savings came from the fact that Polk County was able to purchase a low-mileage display model of an ambulance, which was not readily available.

Polk County EMS and Emergency Services has the primary responsibility to deliver emergency pre-hospital advanced life support and transportation to the citizens of and visitors to Polk County.

– Submitted by PolkNC.info