Ambulance Association looks for financial support

The Ritzville Volunteer Ambulance Association (RVAA) is asking for community support and funding to help build new facilities for the equipment and meeting room for the volunteers.

Currently, the RVAA consists of about a dozen volunteers who give their time to assist those in the community that need help. The group operates out of the old fire station building where two of the ambulances are stored.

Phil Bowman, chairman for the association, said the biggest obstacle the group faces is finding space for meetings and trainings. Over the course of the last year, the group has been discussing the creation of a building specifically for the RVAA where they could store equipment and also host meetings.

Bowman explained that while the group does not own the equipment, they operate three ambulances and two emergency trailers. The emergency trailers are available for extreme accidents; one holds decontamination equipment and has equipment for a mass-casualty situation.

The two emergency trailers and one ambulance are stored outside, two of which are parked in an alley behind the fire station. Bowman said the group is looking to purchase a lot where a structure can be built to shelter the vehicles currently stored outdoors.

“It’s mostly a parking structure, for the ambulances,” Bowman said. “But it depends on the funds raised. We would like to have a multipurpose room for CPR training and a meeting room.”

Generally, the RVAA hosts monthly meetings but the group has been unable to have a permanent meeting location. Bowman wants the creation of the new building to be able to benefit the community as well, and hopes that with the extra room, certified EMT’s could provide low-cost, CPR classes to community members.

The building quotes are based on a 1,200 square foot structure that would include three bay doors and a lean-to outside. Bowman stresses the importance of getting the ambulances inside, out of inclement weather, not only to benefit the equipment, but also the residents.

Bowman said that when EMT’s respond to a call in an ambulance that has been sitting outside in wintry weather, the shock of the cold the patient feels is a concern. With indoor storage, Bowman hopes the RVAA will be able to increase the quality of service they provide to residents.

Over the past few months, RVAA members have been attending classes and training seminars to increase services provided to patients. The group has completed certification for better airway management and IV treatment before reaching the hospital.

The RVAA, LLC is a 501, (C), (3) non-profit corporation and all donations are fully tax deductible. Donations for the project can be mailed to RVAA, PO Box 352 in Ritzville, or can be given to a Ritzville EMT.