RHINELANDER - A new critical care transport unit is being stationed at the Rhinelander Fire Department.
The Aspirus Medevac takes critical care patients from one hospital to another.
Previously the Medevac would have to drive from Wausau taking 60 to 90 minutes just to get to the person in need.
Now with it stationed in Rhinelander people can get to critical care hospitals faster.
Transport Paramedic Dean Goulet says the Medevac is different from a regular ambulance. "We have transport ventilators, we have IV pumps, we have different types of cardiac monitoring equipment, that basically you would see in an intensive care unit."
Chief Terry Williams, of the Rhinelander Fire Department, says, "It doesn't go out on 911 calls, this rig is just strictly here to say go up to Eagle River and transport a patient from Eagle River to Wausau."
The Medevac will go anywhere, including the UP, Minneapolis, Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau.
It is primarily for Aspirus patients, but anyone in need of critical care transport can use it.
Story By: Bridget Fargen