North Lakes ‘Snowbulance’ will help rescuers reach remote patients

3 years ago

CROSS LAKE, Maine — The North Lakes Fire and Rescue Inc. Firefighters Fund has purchased a “Snowbulance” for emergency medical use in Northern Aroostook County.

The Snowbulance is an enclosed toboggan-like unit that is towed behind a snowmobile or ATV. The unit can transport one patient and one rescuer inside, is equipped with a heater, interior and scene lighting, and converts to a wheeled unit for summertime use, according to Deputy Fire Chief John Gibson.

The purchase price of the Snowbulance was $8,677.

“The Snowbulance will increase our rescue capabilities and provide safer form of transport for our patients,” Gibson said.

The department’s off-road and trail rescue equipment currently includes a snowmobile, a UTV and Snowbulance at the Cross Lake station, as well as a snowmobile and a rescue boggan at the Madawaska Lake station.  

North Lakes Fire and Rescue Inc. membership consists of department firefighters. Members work together to raise funds and improve the operations of the fire department without requesting additional funding from the County of Aroostook. 

The two snowmobiles and the UTV were previously purchased by North Lakes Fire & Rescue Inc. Firefighters Fund.