Search And Rescue: Snowbulance
Author: Eliza McLaughlin - Staff Reporter
Search And Rescue: Snowbulance Eliza McLaughlin - Staff Reporter SAR receives a donation, purchases new ‘wheels’
Thanks to an anonymous donation and the Broadwater County Commissioners, Broadwater County Search and Rescue will be adding a new piece of equipment to its arsenal.
“Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, members of the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue are on call to assist the county’s residents and visitors who find themselves in need,” reads the organization's website. Not only do these volunteers remain on call all day, but they’re ready to assist year-round.
Montana winters can be unpredictable and cold. While the team is trained to handle such situations, Broadwater County Undersheriff, Brandon Harris, told the county commissioners that carrying a victim out in a litter - a metal basket-like stretcher — or on the back of a side-by-side can be difficult at times. When an anonymous donor gave $10,000 to the organization and instructed it be used for equipment upgrades, Harris said a tool to make winter carries easier quickly moved to the top of the list.
A snowbulance rescue unit is a fully-enclosed sled, large enough to fit one patient and one or two attendants. The unit features a heater, and lights and attaches to the back of a snowmobile or ATV.
But Broadwater County won’t be receiving any old snowbulance, as Harris explained the team had selected the snowbulance deluxe. Harris even referred to the unit as the “Cadillac of rescue vehicles”.
Broadwater County’s unit will also include an ATV conversion kit which will allow the rescuers to swap the snowbulancde’s skis out for wheels in the summer months, making it useful year-round.
Although search and rescue only received $10,000 from the anonymous donor, after decking out the snowbulance and accounting for shipping, the bill came to a total of $11,320. Harris approached the Broadwater County Commissioners on Feb. 15 to request that they cover the remaining $1,320.
During the Feb. 15 commission meeting, Commission Chair Debi Randolph questioned whether there was anyone local who could service this new piece of equipment. Harris explained that it would require basic servicing that most search and rescue members could handle.
Commissioner Darrel Folkvord suggested that the snowbulance be added to the county’s insurance policy immediately.
Harris and the commissioners thanked the anonymous donor for their contribution and the commissioners approved the purchase.
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Eliza McLaughlin
Image 1 Caption: Snowbulance
