Paramedic Son Gives Fire Chief Dad Keys to Ambulance

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

DULUTH, Minn. — Josh Toms, a paramedic with Gold Cross turned over the keys and title of a Gold Cross ambulance to his dad, Chief Mark Toms of the Fredenberg Volunteer Fire Department. The donated vehicle will be used by the volunteer fire department to meet the emergency response needs of Fredenberg Township residents, including families such as the Toms.

The Toms family recently experienced an event that underscores the need for quality first response vehicles for rural departments. Chief Toms underwent major emergency surgery and experienced firsthand the need for an effective and efficient medical response. Chief Toms says,"Experiencing a huge personal medical need drives home the fact that neither my son nor I can do our job effectively without the right tools available. A vehicle such as the one Josh (Gold Cross) turned over to me today is exactly what we need in Fredenberg to make sure we can respond in the most effective manner to the emergencies that occur in Fredenberg. The need for rapid first response, supported by high-quality paramedic-level care has never been clearer to me."

Fredenberg's volunteer department has needed an emergency response vehicle for a while, but did not have the funds to purchase one. Converted ambulances make an ideal vehicle for responding to all types of emergencies. However, used emergency vehicles are in high demand and difficult to find. Gold Cross has provided similar vehicles for the Duluth Police Department's Tactical Team, the Superior Police Department's SWAT Team, the Lake Nebagamon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Douglas County Rescue Squad.

Dave Johnson, manager for Gold Cross Duluth/Superior Operations, explains the donations as a way for his team to give back to local communities. "The Fredenberg Volunteer Fire Department and Gold Cross have worked very closely for many years to provide rapid, efficient emergency care to the public we serve and this vehicle is just a small token of our appreciation," Johnson says. "The job the volunteer first responders do and their commitment to being ready every day of the year, in all types of weather, warrants our assistance however we can."

According to Chief Toms, "We have needed a vehicle like this for some time. We truly appreciate Gold Cross' donation. It is a huge benefit to us and the area we serve."

The vehicle, a 1997 type III (box style) ambulance, complete with lights and siren, will be put into service in the coming weeks. The vehicle was retired this month by Gold Cross as part of its fleet replacement plan.

Gold Cross is a subsidiary of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research that is non-profit and does not receive tax subsidies. Gold Cross is a service of Mayo Medical Transport, which also provides emergency helicopter transport through Mayo One, and fixed-wing nationwide air ambulance called Mayo MedAir. All are coordinated by a computer-based dispatch service through Mayo Emergency Communications. Mayo Medical Transport is based in 11 communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin and provides a standardized and consistent level of the highest quality patient care possible. Mayo Medical Transport responded to more than 50,000 requests for service during 2005.

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