Donations help upgrade rescue gear

Culbertson, Nebraska, rescue squad members roll out new equipment. Squad members are" front row, (Kloey and her mom) Kristyn Clapp. Back row, from left: Sheila Kehler, Roger Kolbet, Kathy Dernovich, Sharon Beiber, Dana Chambers, Linda Rooney, Roma Sensel, Judea Loibl and Dennis Chambers. Not pictured: Fred Kehler, Tom Kehler, Mike Loibl, Lorna Brown, Kyle Clapp, Richard Sensel, Cheryl Springer, Tammy Kolbet and EMTs-in-training Sara Bradley and Jolynn Hare. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

CULBERTSON, Neb. -- Culbertson's rescue squad isn't funded with taxes. It relies on charges made for ambulance runs, proceeds of soup suppers and garage sales and the generosity of area residents and businesses.

At a soup supper recently, rescue squad members rolled out a new power cot and an "auto pulse" CPR machine purchased with donations from Jerry and Diane Gohl and Golight Inc. of Culbertson.

New and more efficient equipment is needed to provide the quality of care required by the state and expected from those who need us, said Linda Rooney, a rescue squad member. "The problem is, most new medical equipment is expensive. We are not tax-funded. We receive money from the runs we are called for and from generous donations from the community and surrounding area. We have had fund raisers, such as pancake and soup suppers and some very productive garage sales."

The Culbertson Rescue Squad appreciates the support of Jerry and Diane Gohl and Golight, Inc. for their generous donations allowing them to purchase a power cot that allows rescuers to raise and lower the cot with patients on it using hydraulics, "saving our backs," Linda said.

The "auto Pulse" does CPR automatically without the risk of breaking ribs, and circulates the blood better to save more lives, Linda explained.

Squad members also recognized John Deere and all the other generous folks who have contributed to the squad over the years. Linda spoke for fellow squad members, "Without your help, we would not be able to provide the quality of care that we give to those in need."