Zuni Fire/EMS welcomes new high-tech ambulance

Zuni Gov. Norman Cooeyate steps out of the pueblo's new ambulance. Ric Laselute/For the Independent

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Ric Laselute
For the Independent

ZUNI — The Zuni Pueblo Fire/EMS Service Department officially dedicated their newest ambulance in a brief ceremony held Monday in front of the Zuni Pueblo Tribal building. Besides being larger than the department’s existing ambulances, its innovative design makes this new ambulance more cost efficient than the older units.

“The entire patient compartment is a solid aluminum shell,” Zuni Fire Chief Edward Sanchez said. This means that if the compartment is damaged, Sanchez explained, the damaged section is easily cut out, and a new section welded in its place. Once the new piece is painted, the ambulance can be put back in service. That is something that can’t be done with the older ambulances because their patient compartment is basically a wood frame with an aluminum skin. “With the older ambulances we have now,” Sanchez said, “if the shell is damaged, it could mean that the entire patient compartment would have to be replaced.”

As he inspected the new ambulance’s motorized lift for the ambulance’s stretcher, Zuni Pueblo Governor Norman Cooeyate, said, “This is something I never had when I was an EMT, but there many times we could have used it.”

The height of the patient compartment was another feature of the ambulance that impressed Cooeyate as he stood straight up in the patient compartment, saying he could never do that in the ambulances he used. Cooeyate is very happy with the addition of the new ambulance, saying that as Zuni has grown, so has the need for a modern Fire/EMS department.

“This vehicle was purchased with funds the department normally receives as part of its budget,” Cooeyate said.

Cooeyate went on to say that the Zuni Police Department is about to receive $19,000 to use to improve their department, and that the Zuni Housing Authority has recently received $3.1 million in funding, and that the incoming monies mean a better quality of life for the Zuni people.

Sanchez demonstrated the motorized lift for the unit’s gurney, “This lift can raise up to 700 pounds, which is not only better for the patient, but protects the backs of our EMTs. Its smooth motion cuts the risk of further injury to patients, and pregnant patients really appreciate the jerk-free lift into the ambulance.” Sanchez went on to say, “This is only the third ambulance of its kind in the state, the Jicarilla Apache tribe has the other two.”

The new ambulance has four-wheel drive and weighs about 14,000 pounds with a truck-like front end, which makes it easier for Fire/EMS personnel to do routine maintenance and fluid level checks. “With the old van-type front ends on the older ambulances,” Sanchez said, “our people had to remove an interior cover to make these kind of engine and maintenance checks.” Chief Sanchez said that the oldest ambulance unit the department had was a 1993 model and he fully expects this new ambulance to give the Zuni community that many, if not more years of service.

The dedication also gave Cooeyate and other Zuni Council members a chance to meet the newest member of the Fire/EMS department, Kimberly Tsethlikai. Tsethlikai started with the department as a volunteer, and while she is just starting her career, the Fire/EMS department has several long term members. Sanchez has 15 years of service, Fire Capt. Albert Lementino has 30 years, and EMS Capt. Keith Cooeyate also has 15 years of service.