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Date: 3/1/2023
CHICOPEE — A $27,000 financial order will allow the Chicopee Fire Department to operate expanded ambulance services on weekends. The City Council approved the mayor’s order from Chicopee Mayor John Vieau during its Feb. 21 meeting.
Vieau and Fire Chief Daniel Stamborski discussed the financing, which will provide additional overtime hours for ambulance services. The order follows the recent arrival of a new ambulance for the Chicopee Fire Department. Vieau shared that the city waited 14 months for the vehicle to arrive as the purchasing process for capital equipment continues to be delayed.
“We’ve been unable to get the vehicles and other pieces we’ve asked for … The new ambulance was unveiled today, it took 14 months to get it. It’s been very difficult to get equipment,” said Vieau.
With the new vehicle, the Chicopee Fire Department is now operating with a fleet of five ambulances. While the city features some private emergency response organizations, the department continues to run its own services after receiving funding for a pilot program. Stamborski created the pilot program as a solution to address the sparce availability of paramedics and emergency medical technicians across the industry.
Vieau explained how the new vehicle will improve ambulance services for the Fire Department.
“This would allow another pilot [program] that would really enhance response times for those who call for emergencies during the weekends … We expect that about three calls on average will help pay for the program,” said Vieau.
Stamborski shared that the Fire Department currently runs two ambulances a day 24/7 and a third ambulance from 12 to 8 p.m. He said the new ambulance would operate on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and help address additional needs within the city.
“On the weekends, we have difficulty with our mutual aid partners from other services. Sometimes they are understaffed, and they cannot help us. We are hoping with this initiative, we can capture those calls,” said Stamborski.
Previously, the third ambulance was approved for funding by the City Council in November 2021. Stamborski reflected on that vehicle’s performance, sharing that it addressed 12,220 calls since becoming operational.
“It’s been very successful,” said Stamborski.
The funding request of $27,000 for overtime salaries will cover the first three months of the new ambulance’s services. The financial resources conclude at the end of the fiscal year in June, which will allow Stamborski and his team time to analyze the data and adjust their plans accordingly.
Additionally, Vieau celebrated the arrival of the new ambulance. It features motorized equipment that allows for first responders to get patients more efficiently in and out of the vehicle.
“I am really excited we received our new ambulance. It’s beautiful. It’s modern … We’re hopeful we can save lives and reduce response times,” said Vieau.
During the council’s discussion on the order, Ward 6 City Councilor Derek Dobosz applauded Stamborski and his team for expanding the city’s ambulance services.
“I appreciate what he’s doing. I think its going to help public safety a lot,” said Dobosz.
The City Council ultimately approved the overtime order in a unanimous vote.
The City Council will meet again on March 7.