Mid-Mo Ambulance to get new digital communications system

A new UHF digital communication system being put in was discussed by Mid-Mo Ambulance Administrator Lee Kempf with the Board of Directors, at the Wednesday, July 8, meeting, held at the Tipton district office. The new communication system, when fully installed and activated, will permit sending and receiving of data on the radios. The board was also updated on the status of the negotiations over the old FAA tower at Latham.

Kempf spoke briefly about the newer ambulances with diesel engines and the need for the urea tank. Any 2010 or newer diesel engine ambulance requires the urea tank, which is a part of the exhaust emission system. The purpose of the urea is to reduce the emissions from combustion of diesel fuel in the engines. The schedule is for each newer diesel to have the urea tank filled on Sunday. The schedule is working so far.

The January treasurer's report balance on hand was $491,988.63. Secretary Brenda West reported that the reports on the total accounts receivable were off by a penny. Upgrading the new computerized system appears to have included a "glitch" when the mileage figures are rounded off. West said that a penny a month doesn't seem like much, but it really bothers her. The software company is attempting to find a solution to the problem.

In other business, Run statistics were: Tipton - 50 calls with 26 transports; California - 74 calls, 52 transports; Versailles - 138 calls, 102 transports; and Barnett - 58 calls, 37 transports. District wide, there were 320 calls with 217 transports for a transport rate of 77.5 percent on patient contact calls.

The next regular meeting is set for Aug. 12, at the Tipton district office.