Schuyler agency gets new ambulance

    SCHUYLER COUNTY—The Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association has purchased a new ambulance with the help of a grant/loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    The ambulance was delivered to the agency on March 19. Administrative Manager Vicky Kelly explained the association now has six ambulances, with plans to sell one of the older ones at the end of the year. She added that before the new ambulance is put into service it needs to be outfitted with all the proper equipment.

    The SCVAA is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1969 to provide first response emergency medical service to Schuyler County. Kelly explained they hold the Certificate of Need to operate in all of Schuyler County. She added they are not affiliated with the county. SCVAA receives no financial support from the federal, state, county, village or town. The agency is supported by service contracts, insurance payments, and donations only.

    Kelly said by August of last year the USDA awarded the $20,000 grant/$105,000 loan to the association. She said Thomas Becker, USDA area specialist, worked with the SCVAA to apply for the funds.

    The ambulance group is staffed by around 30 volunteers and 30 paid employees. Kelly explained having volunteers saves the agency money and they are always looking for more. She added the association provides all the training to be an ambulance volunteer. Last year, SCVAA received 2,610 calls. Kelly said 923 were staffed by at least one volunteer.