Dan Alvey, the director of the Gibson County Ambulance Service says they've been dealing with issues for the past year and a half. The most recent cases have been so severe officials have taken two trucks out of service.
You just never know when you might need an ambulance.
"Having a top fleet of ambulances, that is very important for the community," said resident Greg Nixon.
Nixon knows a thing or two about these trucks. He repaired them for years. And right now, the Gibson County Ambulance Service fleet is undergoing 'surgery.'
"It's been a nightmare, pretty much," Alvey said.
Alvey says problems started when one of the vehicles wouldn't start. Now, the most recent issue is when two of the ambulances reach 65 miles per hour, they lose all power.
"Right now, I've got the two of those that are pretty much out of service because they're not reliable and I can't take that chance with patients lives," Alvey said.
Alvey says the trucks have stalled several times with patients in them.
"Lucky they weren't critical, or something that was in danger to the patient, but it is still embarrassing and not very fun for the crew," Alvey said.
Right now, the department is down to five trucks while mechanics work to fix the problems. Alvey says the Gibson County Council has approved the purchase of at least one new ambulance in case the repairs don't work.
Nixon says that sounds like cure to him.
"If they've got the money, buy it. It's going to be used, it could be your life," Nixon said.
Officials should know by the end of the week if the trucks can be fixed.
Alvey says he is working with the commissioners and county council to approve the purchase of a second ambulance, just in case.
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The most recent issue is when two of the ambulances reach 65 miles per hour, they lose all power.
