La Ronge EMS donated a previously-used ambulance to the fire department. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Lifesaving donation

Fire department converts donated ambulance into ice water rescue vehicle

May 16, 2019 | 4:40 PM

The La Ronge Regional Fire Department is now better equipped to respond to ice water rescue calls thanks to a donation of a former ambulance by La Ronge EMS.

“The working relationship we have with La Ronge EMS is second to none,” Fire Chief Wayne Tchorzewski said. “When we can get this kind of help from neighboring partners, it helps us out tremendously. I would like to thank La Ronge EMS for the donation. It is very much appreciated.”

Tchorzewski stated the new rescue vehicle will replace an older unit also previously donated by La Ronge EMS about 10 years ago. He noted the new unit is wider and longer than what they were previously using, adding the dual wheels will really make a difference. The fire department is also able to store more equipment inside the vehicle and secure a zodiac lifeboat to the roof. Local firefighters respond to three or four ice water rescues every year.

During the last year-and-a-half, EMS General Manager Mike Bell stated the company has been replacing its ambulances with new ones. He said it only made sense to donate the former ambulance to the fire department if EMS was no longer going to use it.

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“We just have a great working relationship with the fire department, so if they need something, we’re more than willing to help out and vise versa,” Bell said.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno