HomeNewsIowa State Bank contributes $10,000 to new ambulance

Iowa State Bank contributes $10,000 to new ambulance

Iowa State Bank presented a check for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new ambulance for Orange City Area Health System, bringing total fundraising to over $155,000. The health system’s new ambulance, which is expected to be delivered and put into service late summer 2020, will cost approximately $225,000.

“We are grateful for partners like Iowa State Bank for coming alongside us in this ambulance campaign,” stated Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. “With the assistance of many, including other major contributors (listed below), we were able to secure necessary funding that not only validates the value placed on emergency medical services, but also the paramedics and EMTs that deliver that care to the region.”

Other organizations that have contributed $10,000 or more to the new ambulance include the City of Orange City, Sioux County, the Orange City Betterment Committee, OC21 Foundation, Orange City Area Health Foundation, and Total Motors.

A New Ambulance Committee, made up of EMS personnel from Orange City Area Health System, has been meeting for the past 18 months “reviewing likes and dislikes of our current ambulances,” according to Cedric Franken, Paramedic. The team attended the Iowa EMS Conference to view a wide variety of ambulance manufacturers. “We took our current ambulance design and altered it to provide a safe and secure environment for both the patient and the care providers,” he added. 

Two fully-functional ambulances are necessary to adequately respond to medical emergencies and transfer patients to Orange City Area Health System and to regional facilities. The ambulance in need of replacement was purchased in 2006, and is no longer reliable to meet the critical needs of the community and area. It has over 200,000 miles, and has broken down multiple times. The proposed new Ford E-450 ambulance includes high-end features for enhanced safety, reliability, and patient comfort. It is equipped with industry-best features and built using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

Tax-deductible contributions to the new ambulance can still be made via check to Orange City Area Health Foundation or through the GoFundMe page.

Wade Hofland, Iowa State Bank Location Manager of the Orange City Branch, presented a check for $10,000 toward the purchase of a new ambulance to Marty Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System. They are joined by the New Ambulance Committee, pictured left to right: Keri Oostra (Paramedic/RN), Cedric Franken (Paramedic), Scott DeKock (EMT), Willard VanVugt (Driver), and Rob Bruxvoort (EMT).  Everett (Doc) Van Leeuwen (EMT) was not present.