EMS chief warns of aging ambulances and two‑year delivery delays
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Summary
Gates County EMS told commissioners three ambulances exceed 200,000 miles and manufacturers' lead times now run about two years; board members discussed remounting, used purchases, mutual aid, and seeking federal/state grant support.
Gates County EMS leadership told the Board of Commissioners that several frontline vehicles have passed 200,000 miles and that ambulance chassis and remount options are increasingly constrained. "Our board's concern is those 3 trucks that are over 200,000 miles," the EMS chief said, noting remount availability has narrowed and new ambulances ordered now carry delivery waits of roughly two years.
Commissioners pressed EMS officials on alternatives: remounting boxes onto new chassis where possible, buying used vehicles from other agencies, and exploring grant programs and legislative contacts. Staff reported the county provided nearly $900,000 in operational support to EMS last year and that revenue from billing fluctuates with call volume and payer mix. Commissioners and EMS leaders agreed to pursue state and federal funding options and asked the county manager to continue outreach to regional and legislative partners.
No funding decision was adopted at the session; commissioners emphasized fleet replacement should be coordinated with staffing and operational models so that capital purchases are sustainable.
