The Santa Clara Fire Department is receiving an ambulance courtesy of Dixie Regional Medical Center. The 1995 Ford ambulance had been used primarily to transport patients from campus to campus and was offered to worthy recipients through an application process with the medical center’s community benefit department, which collaborates with other local not-for-profit agencies.
“Typically we return our leased vehicles to the leasing agency who sends them to auction,” said John Taylor, regional supply chain director at Dixie Regional Medical Center. “In this case, we had purchased the ambulance and felt that although it was not meeting our present needs, it still had a useful life, so why not try to find it a new home in the community?”
As explained in the application letter, agencies interested in receiving the ambulance were evaluated on their desire to serve the low-income, uninsured, or vulnerable populations as well as improve community health and promote health awareness and education.
“We had several worthy candidates,” said Taylor. “In the end, Santa Clara City had a well thought-out plan to serve their community in important and valuable ways.”
Santa Clara was selected based on their proposal to use the ambulance as a rehab support vehicle for the fire department when responding to fires as well as a valuable tool in education, public safety, and community health initiatives.
“This ambulance gives us a chance to do mock DUI crashes for Snow Canyon High and do hands-on tours for the younger students in the area,” said Tyrel Hansen, Santa Clara battalion fire chief. It will also provide an added resource at athletic events, community gatherings like Swiss Days, and nonprofit collaborations.
“Next year our goal is to put the ambulance on display in the community, and fill it with donations for Toys for Tots, and show our appreciation by giving back to someone in return,” said Chief Nelson. “We’re grateful to Dixie Regional for providing us this opportunity and this gift will be well received and utilized.”
