PALESTINE —
Palestine Regional Medical Center was recently awarded an AmBus designed to serve as mass casualty transportation.
The ambulance bus is licensed as a specialty emergency medical services vehicle and is capable of providing advanced medical transportation services during a large scale disaster. It is one of only eight assigned to the State of Texas.
Palestine Regional Medical Center and its EMS will be the host for this vehicle. The AmBus also can be used to care for the sick and injured on-site, as well as transport emergency responders across a variety of incidents which may threaten the health and safety of those in the region and across the State of Texas.
“This is an exciting time for Palestine Regional EMS as we get to be a part of truly unique opportunity,” PRMC EMS Director Chuck Skinner said.
PRMC Chief Clinical Officer Christi Watkins and Skinner worked as a team to advocate for the placement of the AmBus at PRMC. The awards process began with The Piney Woods Regional Advisory Council (RAC-G) sending out a request for proposal in December of 2011 to all hospitals and EMS providers in the RAC-G region. PRMC submitted a letter of interest and request to host the AmBus.
In June, PRMC was awarded the AmBus based on their capability to support emergency medical operations, when available, to respond to local, regional and state declared disaster areas, a PRMC news release said.
Palestine Regional EMS will ensure staffing to meet the state deployment requirement of up to six emergency medical personnel. Recommended staffing includes a driver (EMT), crew chief (paramedic), two paramedics and two emergency medical technicians at a one-to-four patient/caregiver ratio.
“The AmBus will primarily be used during a mass casualty incident, medical evacuations, state and regional training exercises and locally for special needs within Anderson County,” a PRMC news release said.
The AmBus was on display to the public for the first time at National Night Out held Tuesday at Reagan Park.
Local News
PRMC awarded AmBus for mass casualty care
- Local News
-
-
Longview man injured in motorcycle wreck
A Longview man remained in fair condition in a Tyler hospital Monday following a one-vehicle motorcycle wreck Friday near Montalba on Texas 19.
-
Traffic stop leads to arrest
A Palestine man remained in jail Monday on drug-related charges following a suspicious vehicle stop in Anderson County on Saturday.
According to Sheriff Greg Taylor, while on patrol in the early morning hours on Saturday, deputy Johnny Gorden saw a suspicious vehicle sitting on the side of U.S. 287 between Palestine and Elkhart. -
Residents urged to welcome back local troops on Wednesday
Palestine area residents are asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Community invited to welcome back National Guard troops
The community is asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Texas Area Fund Foundation kicks off new program
The Texas Area Fund Foundation kicked off its newest program — The Action Fund — Thursday evening at an event hosted in the home of Francis and Cad Williams.
-
Police department seeking input from citizens on text alert program
The Palestine Police Department is asking for input from citizens regarding the feasibility of introducing a new communication program call Citizen Observer Tip411, an e-mail and text alert system that would allow for outgoing alerts and information to citizens.
-
Palestine Police participating in national 'Click It or Ticket' campaign
The Palestine Police Department and City Marshal’s Office has announced their participation in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to help save lives by cracking down on those who don’t buckle up.
-
Anderson County Commissioners OK grant application for sheriff's office
During a special meeting Friday, Anderson County commissioners gave the go-ahead to Sheriff Greg Taylor to apply for a grant that would help fund salaries for two additional drug unit investigators for the department.
-
Triplett concedes in mayor's race
Local businessman Timothy Triplett conceded the election to Palestine mayoral candidate Therrell Thomas Thursday, after asking for a recount following the May 11 election.
-
Salute to the Armed Forces set for May 25
The Texas State Railroad will host its 15th annual Salute to the Armed Forces event at the Palestine Depot on Saturday, May 25. The Memorial Day weekend event has been reinvented this year to return it to its original focus of paying tribute to all branches and all eras of U.S. military service.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Longview man injured in motorcycle wreck
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
