Small Central Maine Town Getting a New Ambulance Thanks to a Donation by a Former Resident

If you have ever been involved with a serious medical emergency that required the presence of EMTs and an ambulance you know how they can really mean the difference between life and death.

Unfortunately, in rural Maine, there are concerns about how quickly help will arrive.  Sometimes this has to do with the remoteness of an area.  In other cases, however, it has to do with the reliability of the medical vehicles.

A New Ambulance for Fairfield, Maine

According to an article on the KJ website, Fairfield will soon have a new ambulance thanks to the extreme generosity of a former resident.

The article explains that Allie King III, 67, of Westport, Connecticut, made the donation of nearly $400,000 in honor of his father and mother.  In the article King explains that both of his parents were lifelong residents of Central Maine and that, as they aged, town EMTs were always quick to arrive when they needed help.

The Al King Family Foundation was created to help tackle problems right here in the community.  In the past, they have stepped up with donations like the one made to a local food pantry.

This new grant is going toward something big.  It will cover the cost of a 2025 ambulance for Fairfield.

The donation comes after months of frustration, when the town tried and failed to buy a used ambulance.  That effort started back in October when the engine gave out on Fairfield’s only medical pickup truck, leaving crews struggling to respond until repairs were made.

That truck, called Med One, is stocked with medical supplies and equipment for both basic and paramedic care while waiting for an ambulance to show up.

In July, the town voted to accept the donation, which totals $367,600.  It is hoped that the new ambulance will be ordered in September.