Eric Fincher, staff writer

CIMARRON — As with many emergency responders around the nation, finding sufficient funding has been a continuing trial for the Cimarron Ambulance Service.
Recently the department was met with another setback when it was discovered one of their three ambulances is in desperate need of repair.
“The ambulance we need to replace is about ten years old, and has had numerous reoccurring problems,” Barbara Ingram, spokesperson for the Cimarron Ambulance Service, said. “We just want the public to understand that we get very little funding from the state so we have to hold fundraisers to take care of expenses.”
According to Wayne Baker, all of the vehicles used by the Cimarron EMTs undergo rigorous usage and the mileage on the vehicle racks up very quickly.
“We may have to respond to a call in Raton,” Baker said. “In some cases, we might have to transport that person to as far away as Colorado Springs or Amarillo. We have to take the patient to the best equipped facility, even if that happens to be 400 miles away.”
Ingram said the ambulance service receives about $8,000 from the State of New Mexico and $5,000 from Colfax County.
“All other monies are raised by donations from the areas we serve,” Ingram said. “We service more than 644 square miles. That includes Springer, Maxwell, Miami, and Cimarron. We also provide aid to Raton, Eagle Nest, Las Vegas, and Taos.”
A new ambulance would provide the Cimarron Ambulance Service with a dependable vehicle and better diagnostic tools, including a 12 lead EKG/ defibrillator machine and on-board electronic computers to ensure prompt, top-quality patient care. In addition, it would help the EMTs make lifesaving decisions based on more in-depth and accurate information. A new ambulance would greatly help in deciding which hospital facility to transport the patient to, or whether or not to call in air/life support.
“Because time can be so critical, especially in a rural environment where transports can be lengthy, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools are extremely important to the patient and the EMT staff,” Ingram said.
The Cimarron Volunteer ambulance was started in 1980 with donated funds accompanied by lots of hard work from the volunteers. Baker has been with the service for 28 years and wants to see the service continue.
“We average about 150 to 160 runs a year,” Baker said. “The busiest time for the volunteer service is during Philmont’s summer sessions.”
To help raise funds for the ambulance service, the Cimarron Volunteer Board of Directors and the volunteers themselves are hosting an enchilada dinner Saturday Aug. 2 at the Sister Hildegarde Parish Hall from 1 to 7 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for children 6-12, with those 5 years old and under free. in addition, the Ute Park Home Owners Association is hosting a watermelon bash to raise funds for the ambulance service as well. The event will take place Saturday, July 26.
The service consists of 24 volunteers — drivers, EMT-Basics, EMT Intermediates and Paramedics.