The need for new ambulances is becoming a growing concern for Gilmer Fire and Rescue.
The overall call volume for the fire department has increased by about 10 percent this year, and transport times to medical facilities are often long, putting additional miles on the vehicles.
“We run about 6,000-7,000 calls. If it stays on that trend, we will run an extra 650-700 additional calls this year,” said Jason Bryant, deputy fire chief. “Because we’re taking people to the appropriate facilities, we’re having to go to Northside Cherokee and Kennestone a bunch because of the nature of the illnesses and injuries that are happening in our area.”
The department currently runs four ambulances 24 hours a day and seven days a week. As the vehicles are aging out, they’re having to be replaced at the same time.
“Our fleet is rapidly deteriorating,“ said Bryant. “We have three (ambulances) in reserve. Two should honestly already be out of our reserve, but we can’t get rid of them right now.”
The department already has two ambulances ordered, which have been on order for two years, but it will probably be sometime next year before they are received.
“It’s going to be almost three years by the time they come in,” said Bryant.
An emergency request for another ambulance that allowed the fire department to not have to go through a bid process was approved by county commissioners just recently.
“We’re budgeted for 2024 for another med unit, but because of the long lead times and turnaround times, we were trying to find one that’s already ready,” said Bryant.
It’s possible that another ambulance could be requested at some point next year.
“That will be up to the board of commissioners,” said Bryant.