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Last updated 10:08 am CT February 09, 2010.
Federal Stimulus Money for Pulaski Co.
There's no room for error at the Pulaski County ambulance house and we're not talking about saving lives. The rigs just fit in the garage.
"You've actually got [only] inches on each side to get in," said paramedic Tracie Hafford.
Almost $60,000 in federal stimulus money will help fix the situation that's not just inconvenient, it's a safety hazard.
"Sometimes you have to get in and go, but you have to stop and make sure you don't hit the sides with the mirror or something," Hafford said, noting that when it comes to saving lives every second counts.
When ambulances are in the building, Hafford says there's very little space to move. That also creates difficulties for paramedics rushing to an emergency.
Plans for new, bigger ambulances will make things even trickier so the stimulus money will help. Expanding the building will mean no more gashes in the wall, scrapes on the side of the ambulance, or run-ins with the door frame.
In Karnak they know something about tight spaces.
"Sometimes we have to lower ourselves down there and fix pipes that rot in two,” said maintenance supervisor Richard Williams.
There's lots of other stuff to do in the pits, and Williams says the rope and ladder system for getting to the bottom of things doesn't meet safety standards.
About $1,800 dollars in federal stimulus money will change that.
"If for some reason I would happen to pass out down there or whatever they could retrieve me out safely and get me help if I need it," Williams said.
Karnak will buy a tripod that will safely lift workers in and out.
Mayor Janice Wright is happy to accept the cash.
"We live on a shoestring budget and that's why we were out looking for help and trying to find funds,"
Now there's a little wiggle room.
By Dana Jay
djay@wsiltv.com
Now: 1265732901
