Supply chain issues hinder ambulance purchase

In February, the Board of Trustees for Crook County Medical Services District (CCMSD) instructed Karl Rude, president of Health Management Services, to seek out possible new ambulances to bolster the Sundance fleet. Though he was able to offer options at Wednesday’s meeting, the list was short due to supply chain issues.

The last few weeks have turned supply chains on their heads, Rude explained, particularly now that companies are repurposing their equipment to make items to help with the pandemic.

Companies that sell ambulances do still have vehicles available, he explained, but it is not currently possible to tweak an ambulance by calling for replacement parts. CCMSD is limited to choosing from stock these companies have on hand at the current time.

It’s been a case of, “I’ve got this, and that’s what I’ve got,” Rude said.

An additional issue, he said, is that companies are reluctant to offer quotes at the present time. Interest rates have declined during the COVID-19 outbreak and they do not want to be stuck with long-term lease obligations when the economy recovers.

“When this begins to rebound, it could come back very, very rapidly,” Rude said.

Rude presented a quote for an ambulance out of Montana that meets their specifications: a type one style with four wheel drive, as new as possible. The quote was for an ambulance with a 2019 chassis and 2020 build-out that otherwise met the board’s wishes.

With equipment such as a power lift gurney, the price for the ambulance is $250,791. Without the optional equipment, it would be $199,334.

CEO Nathan Hough stated that he will gather input from the emergency department as to whether there is equipment on the older vehicles that is still fully functional and could be stripped and placed on the new one.

Trustee Connie Lindmier reminded the board that the Crook County Medical Foundation has said they will step up and help fundraise for the cost of needed ambulances.

Trustee Sandy Neiman made a motion to hold until all bids for ambulances in and then hold a meeting for Rude to present the options, so the board can compare “apples to apples”.

Meanwhile, a motion was also made to have attorney Kara Ellsbury send a letter of proposal to the city to secure a lease agreement for the ambulances to remain housed in the city-owned building.