Antioch buys 2nd used ambulance
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The Lake County News Sun recently covered the Antioch Fire Department's recent purchase of a used ambulance from the Town of Paris. This move is part of an ongoing effort to reduce costs and gain more control over emergency medical services (EMS) in the village.
The decision to buy the ambulance comes as the village evaluates its future EMS contract with Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Services. The current contract, which expires on November 30, involves leasing two ambulances at a cost of $53,000 per year each. By purchasing a used ambulance, the village can significantly cut these expenses.
The ambulance, a 2000 International model with only 22,000 miles on the odometer, was bought for $20,000. Fire Chief John Nixon praised the deal, calling it a smart investment that moves the department closer to reducing its reliance on leased equipment. "This will save us a lot of money in the long run," he said. "We’re looking to own three ambulances in total, with one serving as a backup."
In addition to this new purchase, the department already has one used ambulance donated by the state Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board earlier this year. That unit was acquired from the village of Winnetka and has 55,000 miles on it. Both vehicles are in excellent condition and expected to serve the community for several years.
Nixon also mentioned that the department plans to acquire a third ambulance in early 2014, taking advantage of opportunities when other departments sell their used equipment. He noted that the market for used ambulances is limited, making this purchase even more valuable.
To enhance their capabilities, the department also received two donated Lifepak monitors/defibrillators from the local Antioch Firefighters Association. These will be used in the ambulances to support paramedics during emergencies.
A brand-new ambulance can cost around $220,000, but the used one was equipped for about $35,000 — a one-time cost that could lead to substantial savings over time. The funds for this purchase came from the village’s capital budget designated for the fire department.
While the goal is to eventually eliminate the need for leased ambulances, Nixon emphasized that the department isn’t yet ready to hire full-time firefighter-paramedics to replace the outside contractor. However, he hopes to transition the contract from covering both labor and equipment to just labor in the coming years.
Currently, Superior responds to emergency calls within the village, while Antioch Rescue Squad (ARS) serves the unincorporated areas of Antioch Township under a separate one-year contract with the First Fire District. The integration of fire and EMS services between the village and the district remains under discussion, and the final decision may depend on whether the two entities consolidate in the future.
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