CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — A new $1.3 million facility will soon help better serve medical needs in Chillicothe.
For 10 years, Advanced Medical Transport (AMT) was co-located with the city’s fire department.
For a little more than 6,000 people, Chillicothe did see some growth over the past decade. Now, the ambulance has its own garage.
“We’re really excited about having our own facility that was built to our needs and built with an eye on the future so that we’ll be able to expand if we need to, to meet the needs of a growing community,” AMT Community Resource Manager Josh Bradshaw told 25 News.
AMT showcased its new hub on Thursday. An advantage of the new facility, it’s ambulances are less likely to get stuck in vehicle or train traffic.
“There could have been issues with trains, so then response time,” continued Ward 3 Alderperson Trish Westerman-Connor, “It was a concern that was always on our minds because it could occur.”
AMT says that went into choosing the new spot off Route 29.
“We chose the location because it’s very close to the middle of town, it’s on the side of the railroad tracks that’s advantageous to us, it’s quick access to the highway,” said Bradshaw.
AMT responds to about 1,100 calls a year in Chillicothe, averaging about three per day.
“Peace of mind to know it will be staffed by two individuals 24/7 for emergency medical treatment. I think is a sense of security to all citizens,” said Westerman-Connor.
Chillicothe signed a 5-year contract in 2021 with AMT. Bradshaw says the ambulance service will start working out of the new facility in the next few weeks.
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