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Wallowa Memorial Hospital (OR) is set to receive Wallowa County’s first four-wheel drive ambulance. It will be the only ambulance with a neonatal transporter.
The rural Oregon county – with a population of a little more than 7,000 people – is known for its wintry climate and rugged terrain. The Bend Bulletin reports the new ambulance will be used for transferring patients when the air medical provider in the area is unable to fly because of inclement weather.
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The neonatal equipment will allow the hospital to transport high-risk and critically ill newborn patients for the first time.
The ambulance will cost about $400,000. The purchase was made possible through grants and fundraising in the community.
Officials anticipate it being ready for service by mid-January.
The ambulance will increase the hospital’s ambulance fleet to four.