Houghton Volunteer Ambulance Service Purchase New Equipment

The Houghton Volunteer Ambulance Service purchased a new ambulance this summer and is attempting to raise funds to pay off its remaining loans. During this weekend’s homecoming festivities, emergency medical technicians and other department staff will be on standby with the ambulance at the activities fair this Saturday. Unlike a routine standby, this one will include baked goods supplied by the department and a brand new piece of equipment to share with the community.

Maegan Stadelmaier, the ambulance captain of the Volunteer Ambulance Service and 2009 graduate of Houghton, saw need for a new ambulance because it cost more to upkeep the old ambulance than it would be to buy a new vehicle. It was also time to replace the old ambulance because New York state health regulations require regular equipment replacements.

Stadelmaier and the ambulance department custom ordered a purple and gold 2014 Lifetime ambulance that was delivered at the beginning of June and became in service on June 20, 2014. After saving up funds for over ten years and taking out over $150,000 in loans, the department bought the ambulance. According to Stadelmaier, the cost for the vehicle and a new cardiac monitor totaled a little bit over $200,000. “The department does not receive any aid for purchases such as this because all state tax dollars go to the volunteer fire department and not to the volunteer ambulance service,” Stadelmaier said.

The community needs a reliable ambulance because of Houghton’s rural location. Stadelmaier said, “It’s nice to have an ambulance here in town especially since we’re so far away from a hospital.” As a result of the long commute to the hospital, all EMTs must possess higher competency in their skills due to the extended amount of time they have treating the patient.

Houghton offers an EMT course for Houghton students interested in emergency medical services. Alexa Dakin, a junior, took the EMT certification course last spring and said that she sees her work as an opportunity for ministry and described how reliable equipment contributes to the credibility of the ministry. Stadelmaier added that local hospitals respect the department because of the care they take with their patients, especially concerning competent staff and equipment that functions properly.

Although the department needs funding to maintain this reputation, Stadelmaier stated, “Money will never be the focus of this department.” She explained that when the department receives a call, insurance companies bill patients individually and  does not demand what the insurance companies do not cover.

The captain also sees her work as a ministry to the community and observed how hospitals and other ambulance teams notice her department treats billing differently. For example, it offers services without enforcing full payment from their patients. EMT, Tiffany Hoffman added, “We all share a common bond-the love of helping those in need.” This shared attitude creates a fun environment for service, Stadelmaier contributed.

The Volunteer Ambulance Service provides many opportunities for community and student involvement with their events throughout the year. Following the bake sale, the department will hold an open house on October 11 to spread awareness about their work and to encourage community involvement. Pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners during the year provide additional events for the department to fundraise.