BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 8, 2022
The Van Buren Fire Department is raising money for new off-road emergency equipment that will change the way patients receive care after a crash on remote winter trails. The specialized, enclosed snowmobile — called a Snowbulance — will allow medical care to start at the scene of a crash and keep both patients and rescuers out of harsh weather conditions. Ten years ago snowmobilers wouldn’t ride in harsh conditions like they do now. During the warmer months, most trail-goers used only four-wheelers so when it would rain, it was common to not see anyone on the trails. Now the enclosed side-by-sides with heated cabs and air conditioning, newer snowmobiles and more sophisticated clothing make for an uptick of the amount of people riding on the trails, causing a greater concern for first responders responding to accidents in all types of weather and not just ideal conditions.