FALFURRIAS, Texas — Brooks County, Texas, relies on just two ambulances to serve its population.
According to Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ruben Ramirez, there are at least 20 instances each month where no ambulance is available because both are occupied, KIII reported.
This situation is expected to improve soon, thanks to a $2.4 million Operation Lone Star grant awarded to the county. Officials have announced that $800,000 of the grant will be allocated to the volunteer fire department to purchase new vehicles and hire three full-time EMTs.
“We’re 45 minutes from the nearest hospital, so when you talk about it, say you have an EMS call right now, by the time they respond to Spohn Kleberg or Spohn Alice, by the time they get the patient admitted and turn back and head back, fuel up, come back, get ready for another call you’re looking at an hour downtime at a minimum,” Ramirez said.
Officials aim to have EMTs in position by February, with the paramedic program set to launch on the streets shortly after January 1.
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