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    The Wimberley EMS is holding an online fundraiser to replace the Duck Race this year. PHOTO BY GARY ZUPANCIC/WIMBERLEY VIEW

EMS fundraiser for ambulance

The EMS Duck Race down the Blanco River is one community event that is well attended and provides a lot of fun for the community. It also one way the Wimberley EMS can raise funds to provide for the latest life-saving equipment in their ambulances for the residents of the Wimberley Valley. But the pandemic put a quick halt to plans for 2020.

Wimberley EMS is a 501(c) 3 non-profit that is partially funded through Hays County tax dollars. So how to raise funds for new equipment with the cancellation of the big race, their moneymaker?

It is true that the valley is growing and the population of Hays County and Wimberley is expanding, and providing aid for emergencies is their number one job. But how to replace the needed funds in a pandemic situation was the big question?

“With hard work and the generosity of friends, our dream has come to fruition. We are close to completing a state-of-the-art EMS station with no debt. While we are moving into our new station with zero debt, we recognize there will be additional costs associated with the growing community. Our next immediate need will be a replacement ambulance. The cost of the ambulance is approximately $220,000. Then to equip the ambulance is quite a bit more. To provide a Lifepak monitor, Powerload with stretcher, and a stairchair is another $102,000,” Wimberley EMS’ Shannon Palmer said.

Some of the equipment, such as the stretchers, has not been replaces since 2013 and many improvements have been made. “We have a fleet of three, now four after this. But from this point forward. We don’t have to buy a new truck. When one truck wears out, the box (rear part of ambulance) can be removed and put on a new truck. Spending money now we will be able to mount the boxes and run for a long time,” Ken Strange, Wimberley EMS Director said. “The boxes are modular, the truck wears out, put a new truck underneath.”

Look for the Duck Ambulance parked at the Y and the sign behind Ace for a reminder. For more information, see their Go Fund me account at charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/ wimberley-ems-ambulance

Wimberley View

P.O. Box 49
Wimberley, TX 78676
Phone: 512-847-2202
Fax: 512-847-9054