New Berlin Medic Randy Brundage, Ambulance Driver Michael Todd, New Berlin Village Mayor Peter Lennon, Columbus Supervisor Diane Scalzo and another representative met Wednesday night to hand over the $51,000 in combined funds to help upgrade the ambulance. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NEW BERLIN – On Wednesday, the Town of Columbus provided $40,000 to the Village of New Berlin to help upgrade the area's ambulance service with a power stretcher and loading system.

The American Relief Act transferred the funds to New Berlin on behalf of Columbus. The total cost for the power stretcher and loading system is approximately $51,000.

New Berlin Mayor Peter Lennon said, “The ambulance is one of the most important emergency vehicles in the community, yet there is no state funding for EMS. Medics and volunteers work long hours and many emergencies take place in the middle of the night. Some volunteers get little rest before returning to their regular jobs during the day. Medics are subject to spinal injury yet must stay healthy to continually provide emergency needs.”

Lennon said he and Town of Columbus Supervisor Diane Scalzo put their heads together to search out new ways to provide a better emergency service for the community. Sherburne is currently under contract to the Town of Columbus as their primary ambulance provider.

Scalzo took a regional view and recognized the need for a strong back up in the event Sherburne was unable to respond to a call in a timely manner.

“New Berlin’s ambulance service made perfect sense as we had supported our Columbus neighbors for years," Lennon said. "The procurement will ensure New Berlin remains a strong regional partner, whether it be through a contract or mutual aid."

The power stretcher uses a hydraulic system to raise and lower trauma patients at the push of a button. The loading system latches and reduces the burden on medics while safely securing the patient during the loading and unloading process.

Medics often experience spinal stress due to repetitive motions such as lifting, lowering, carrying, and bending. With the new hydraulic system, there will be a reduction of injuries and improved safety and health. Also, the new system can save up to 20 minutes in time from response to transport.

The mayor said he is very grateful for the funds provided.

“The time has come when communities should work together to find ways to upgrade to newer equipment. New York State does not fund EMS and the payment model for Medicare and Medicaid is woefully inadequate. We need to take a serious look at this at county and state level for funding,” he said.

He concluded, “My goal for the Village of New Berlin is to have the best equipment and trained staff that money can afford to provide to our neighbors.”