"We are 40 miles from the nearest hospital, sometimes further," said Shirley DeLambert, a veteran emergency medical technician for the Eden Valley Ambulance Service. "If our 2004 ambulance breaks down, it leaves us nothing to respond in. Plus, if we take someone from a football game or rodeo, they must stop play until we return."
DeLambert said in a phone interview that this has only happened once during a high-school football game, but bystanders and players had to wait about 45 minutes while the ambulance left with the injured player, met another ambulance halfway to the hospital and returned.
"We're a small town, so they're gonna stay and support the team," she said.
The second ambulance, which cost about $140,000, should also help field multiple calls. DeLambert said she can recall two three-call days recently. That is a huge spike for the ambulance service, which routinely responds to only 10 service calls per month with its 30 volunteers.
"Here lately I don't know what has happened," DeLambert said.
About half of the 2012 Dodge 4500 ambulance, along with its defibrillator, cot and other equipment, was paid for through industry donations. Encana Oil & Gas USA contributed $30,000 for the ambulance and BP chipped in $22,000. The small community, located between Pinedale and Rock Springs, sees its fair share of oil and gas development.
"Our contribution reflects Encana's deep appreciation to the Eden/Farson Fire Control District volunteers for the crucial services they provide to families, businesses and Encana employees in the area," said Randy Teeuwen, Encana USA community relations adviser in a release.
DeLambert said the remainder of the cost was borne by the Eden/Farson Fire Control District.
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