The new service will not cost property owners more in taxes.

For years, the township has contracted with Alpena for ambulance coverage, but, now, it will take on the responsibility itself, township Fire Chief Bill Forbush said.

“The upgraded, township-run service will be staffed by paid-on-call medical first responders, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics,” Forbush said. “It will be based at the township’s U.S.-23 fire station, serving the U.S.-23 corridor along eastern Long Lake and western Grand Lake. The ambulance vehicle was funded through (federal) American Rescue Plan Act funds and township dollars loaned from the general fund to the fire district fund. The service is being provided from existing operating funds and does not place an additional tax burden on the citizens.”

Forbush praised the job the Alpena Fire Department does and added it will still be critical in the transfer process to a hospital.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Tammy Forbush, Presque Isle Township Fire Department captain and emergency management services coordinator, checks out a new stretcher in an ambulance purchased by Presque Isle Township.

He said an agreement with Alpena will provide for advanced life support intercept service when advanced care is needed enroute to the hospital.

Still, Forbush said, the station in Alpena is 15 miles away and not always ideal when there is a serious health issue. He said having a capable rig in the township will shorten the time it takes medical personnel to arrive at the scene of an emergency.

“Firefighters spent the last month updating their transport skills, with training facilitated by licensed (emergency medical services) instructor-coordinators on the department’s staff, Stryker representative Becky McKim, and support from the Northeast Michigan Medical Control Authority and Michigan Rural EMS Network,” Forbush said. “Presque Isle firefighters will carry five medications and some advanced airway tools to help stabilize patients in serious emergencies. Plans are underway to add 12-lead EKG capability with transmission to the hospital to allow for faster cardiac care upon arrival at MyMichigan Alpena hospital’s new cath lab.”

Forbush said one of the things he’s most excited for is the cost for residents utilizing the ambulance will be minimal for township residents. He said the department will bill a person’s insurance company, and forgive any amount the insurance company doesn’t pay.

Non-residents will be liable for set costs.

“Federal regulations allow the township to bill patients’ insurance for ambulance service, but write off any balance, as residents already help pay for the service through their taxes,” he said. “Non-residents will be billed rates established by insurers and set by the township annually. The department does not charge for lift assists or patients who are treated at the scene but not transported to the hospital.”

Forbush said Presque Isle Township firefighters will be at the township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday beginning at 4 p.m., when there will be a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and the new ambulance service will go live.