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TOLEDO CHRONICLE – They’re the last people you want to see, but, ironically, when they show up you’re delighted and relieved.

Ambulance emergency crews and paramedics hold the dual distinction of representing both disaster and salvation. Their efforts in the time between arriving at the scene of an accident and reaching the hospital can often make the difference between life and death for a patient. Who are we talking about? In this area, we’re talking about the Marshalltown Area Paramedic Service (MAPS). MAPS is an extension of the MMSC Emergency Department and a service provided to the Marshalltown area and the surrounding communities. Residents in the greater Marshalltown area depend on our local emergency responders 24/7/365 to arrive quickly, begin treatment and rush patients to Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center.

The MAPS crews make more than 4,200 life saving runs per year, covers over 573 square miles, transports patients to higher level tertiary hospitals throughout Iowa, as well as the Mayo Clinic, and assists other medical response teams in a six county vicinity. Which is why it is no wonder that the life of an ambulance is only four or five years.

Therefore, the MMSC Foundation is committed to raising $150,000 to replace one of the four MAPS ambulances.

“The ability to stabilize and transport patients as quickly as possible is primary to MAPS’ mission of providing excellent medical care,” stated Theresa Hillers, MMSC’s Emergency Medical Director. “Having a state of the art ambulance is a primary component to delivering on that promise. We are so very fortunate that the MMSC Foundation chose this project as part of their annual giving appeal.”

“The MMSC Foundation and board of directors are very pleased with the generous donations we have already received for the Ambulance Appeal,” stated Val Ruff, MMSC Foundation Director.

The Annual Giving Ambulance Appeal was initiated in three phases. Support from within the MMSC family began in October, which includes the Board of Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors, Medical Staff, Administration, Deptartment Directors, Auxiliary, Employees and Volunteers. Many responded with generous support for the project. In November, support from local and surrounding businesses resulted in three leadership gifts of $10,000, with more commitments pending. In December, the public phase kicked off so philanthropic individuals and businesses could make their yearend charitable financial contributions.

To date, the Foundation has received over $70,000 from generous contributors in Marshalltown and the communities we serve.

“It’s wonderful to see this level of support for such an important project. We hope others will see the importance of the project and make a generous financial contribution as well,” stated Ruff.If you would like to make a financial contribution to this vital project and help us purchase a new ambulance, please contact the MMSC Foundation office at 641-753-2712 or foundation@marshmed.com