After devastating fire, Christiana Care donates ambulances to New Jersey ambulance squad
On February 19, 2018, The American Legion Ambulance Association in Woodstown, New Jersey, lost all of its equipment and six ambulances in a devastating fire. When they put out a call for help, Christiana Care Health System answered — with a donation of two ambulances.
“It’s just amazing to me that an organization the size and magnitude of Christiana Care took the time to care about our EMS squad and the community that we serve,” said Clare Turnbull, the squad’s general manager. “Their gift is just unbelievable and will help us rebuild. We can’t thank them enough.”
The donation of the ambulances will enable The American Legion Ambulance squad to rebuild its fleet, which serves as the primary 911 provider for the Woodstown/Pilegrove and Salem City areas in Southern New Jersey.
“When access to care affects one part of our community, it affects all of us,” said Sharon Kurfuerst, EdD, OTR/L, FACHE, FAOTA, FABC, Christiana Care chief operating officer. “We all want to know that when we call 911, that call will be answered quickly with compassionate, expert care. We were saddened to hear of the loss that the American Legion Ambulance Association experienced, but we’re glad we were able to provide this help to get them back to serving our community in South Jersey. We serve together.”
The donated ambulances had recently been placed out of service at Christiana Care, after the purchase of two newer ambulances. Before the New Jersey ambulance squad’s needs became known, plans were to continue to use them at Christiana Care as training vehicles.
Christiana Care’s Christiana Hospital is the only Level I Trauma Center — the highest capability — serving adults and children between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Christiana Care’s Wilmington Hospital is a Level III Trauma Center. Christiana Care serves the Southern New Jersey area with a variety of services, including primary care practices in Woodstown and Carney’s Point.
