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The Lake County News Sun recently covered the Antioch Fire Department’s decision to purchase a used ambulance from the Town of Paris, a move that could lead to significant cost savings for the village. With the current contract with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Services set to expire in November, officials are exploring options to reduce expenses while maintaining high-quality emergency medical services (EMS).
The village previously ended its agreement with the Antioch Rescue Squad and entered into a turn-key EMS contract with Superior, which provides two fully equipped ambulances staffed by certified paramedics around the clock at the fire stations. However, leasing these vehicles costs the village $53,000 per ambulance annually.
To cut costs, the department bought a 2000 International ambulance with just 22,000 miles on the odometer for $20,000. Fire Chief John Nixon praised the deal, noting it brings them closer to reducing reliance on leased equipment. He estimates that outfitting this used ambulance would cost about $35,000 as a one-time expense, offering long-term savings.
Currently, the department owns one donated ambulance from the state Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board, acquired from Winnetka with 55,000 miles. Nixon hopes to eventually own three ambulances, including a backup. He mentioned another used ambulance may soon become available, allowing the department to plan ahead financially.
In addition to the ambulance, the Antioch Firefighters Association donated two Lifepak monitors/defibrillators for use in the vehicles. Nixon emphasized that a new ambulance can cost up to $220,000, making the used option a smart financial move. The funds for the purchase will come from the village’s capital budget designated for the fire department.
While the goal is to eventually eliminate the need for leased ambulances, Nixon said the department isn’t yet ready to hire full-time firefighter-paramedics. For now, the focus is on reducing the number of leased units over the next few years.
The current arrangement sees Superior handling EMS within the village, while the Antioch Rescue Squad serves the unincorporated areas through a separate contract. A potential consolidation between the village and the First Fire District could influence future service structures.
Thanks, Ron.