The city of Alton now has a dedicated ambulance stationed at the fire department for the first time.

For people living in the Alton area, it means a faster response time, serving as a critical lifeline for people in need.

The city finalized a contract with Med Care EMS to have the ambulance stationed at the Alton Fire Department 24/7.

"There was not a unit mandated in the city. If a unit were transporting a patient out of town, Med Care would respond from that location," Alton Fire Chief Gustavo Ramirez said. "So right now, if a unit transports a patient to the hospital, there will be a unit here."

The ambulance will be staffed by two Med Care EMS paramedics who are equipped with advanced medical technology.

“We increase it to the intensive care unit, which entails cardiac monitoring, paramedics on board, and being able to do advanced cardiac life support to our citizens,” Ramirez said.

The city is paying Med Care EMS $300,000 for the one-year contract. The city will have an option to extend the contract for another year.

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