Resources

Community Support

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Bigfork Volunteer Ambulance 2006 - 2007 Capital Campaign In the early 1970s Dr. Doug Smith, a local dentist, beganresponding to medical emergencies with Bigfork Volunteer Fire Department. His efforts eventually led to the formation of the Bigfork Quick Response Unit, a group of community members providing care until an ambulance could arrive from Kalispell or Polson. Bigfork QRU registered with the state in 1978 and became a licensed transporting ambulance service in 1984. Bigfork QRU/Ambulance was one of only five licensed advanced life support ambulances in Montana in 1990.

Today, nearly 30 years after the introduction of emergency medical care in Bigfork, responses are still handled by a group of volunteers numbering fewer than two dozen, despite a nearly seven fold increase in call volumes. The explosive population growth in the area continues to place an increased demand upon our dedicated volunteers, and we are forced to acknowledged that a full time paid staff will be necessary in the very near future to insure the consistent delivery of quality compassionate medical response. As we approach the end of 2006, we ask you to join us in laying the foundation to provide for the future emergency medical care in Bigfork.

Bigfork Ambulance Home