FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ARLINGTON, Vt. – The Arlington Fire Department has cut response time in half for rescue calls from the Kelly Stand and other wilderness areas with the purchase of a Snowbulance, an all-weather rescue unit, according to Fire Chief Jamie Paustian. “In this area, we have a lot of snowmobile and ATV riders, hikers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts,” says Paustian. “This new unit will allow us to reach accident victims much faster, and provide improved care and safer transport to rescue vehicles.”
Made possible by a donation from Mack Molding Co., the Snowbulance is fully enclosed with enough room for the patient and one or two attendants. “Before, we were using a 40-year-old padded toboggan with skis on it that left the patient fully exposed to the weather,” says Paustian. “He or she would be covered with snow and debris by the time we reached the rescue vehicle. Plus, there was no way for emergency personnel to monitor the victim during transport.”
Equipped with a heater, interior light, body reflectors and brake/running lights, the Snowbulance is always stocked with a backboard, portable stretcher, blankets, ropes and a First Responder kit. Additionally, the Fire Department has purchased a wheel kit for the Snowbulance, as well as an all-weather four-wheeler for towing it so it can be used year-round.
“We couldn’t have purchased the Snowbulance without the help of Mack Molding,” says Paustian. “They’re helping the Fire Department provide aid for the public at no cost to the taxpayers, and that’s a really big deal for us!” The four-wheeler was purchased through other community donations and grants.
The Snowbulance will cover the National Forest areas in Arlington, Sunderland and Sandgate, and will provide mutual aid for the Shaftsbury Fire Department and Glastenbury. “We’re also contacting Winhall and Stratton officials to put together a response team for those mountain areas,” says Paustian.
About Mack Molding
Mack Molding – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mack Group corporation – is a leading custom plastics molder and supplier of contract manufacturing services. Mack specializes in plastics design, prototyping, molding, sheet metal fabrication and medical device manufacturing. The company operates seven facilities throughout the eastern United States. Founded in 1920, Mack is a privately owned business that has earned a 5A1 D&B rating, the highest available. For further information, call 802-375-2511 or visit Mack on the web at www.mack.com.
