The Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service has received two grants to support education for EMS providers in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon community. Alliant Energy awarded a $1,240 grant in support of a mobile monitor simulator. This device aids continuing education training for EMS providers in the region by providing real time patient feedback during training scenarios. A second grant for $5,000 was awarded by the St. Luke’s Foundation to support initial education for EMS providers to obtain EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic certifications.
In addition to grants received, LMVAS fall fundraising is in full swing. Gary’s Foods is raising funds through a round-up where shoppers can round up to the nearest dollar and the change is donated to LMVAS. Over the last four years, patrons at Gary’s Foods have donated over $17,000 to LMVAS to support ongoing needs.
The round-up is paired with the LMVAS annual fundraising campaign, with this year’s funds supporting the purchase of a replacement ambulance. The service’s older unit is starting to show its age as a previously remounted ambulance with a 2005 patient care module on a 2015 Ford chassis. The ambulance is experiencing challenges with the electrical system, climate control system, and leaks, all of which impact patient comfort and provider safety.Increasing call volume requires the service to maintain two reliable ambulances, so the service has obtained quotes to purchase a new ambulance that will be delivered in 2025.
Unfortunately, due to rapidly increasing costs of ambulances and the unavailability of used ambulances, LMVAS is left with a steeper cost than anticipated. The service’s goal is to raise approximately $50,000 to cover the additional cost beyond what has already been set aside through capital improvement planning.