Nutley EMS Squad Donates Old Ambulance To Argentina

NUTLEY, NJ — How did a Nutley ambulance end up in Argentina? Just ask the Nutley Volunteer Emergency & Rescue Squad (NVERS), which recently shared the story of the unusual donation on social media.

Earlier this week, the NVERS posted a photo of one of its old ambulances, which had been donated to an Argentinian volunteer ambulance squad. Accompanying the photo was a short caption that read:

“When this ambulance had reached a point that it was too old to be a frontline ambulance for NVERS it was donated and found new life with this Argentinian volunteer ambulance squad.”

The story almost ended there, but a mini-tale played out in the post’s comment section.

“Still has your graphics on it?” one commenter asked.

“Yes, most of them are painted on,” the NVERS wrote back. “It would destroy the finish to remove them. Pretty sure it's safe for them to leave them, as few people will see it in Argentina and think it's still a Nutley unit.”

“Ahhh interesting… Good point,” the commenter replied. “Nice of you to donate it.”

“It would be funny for a Nutley resident to be there on vacation and come across this ambulance, they could say in a way that they were responsible for that donation,” another commenter chimed in.

THE ORIGIN STORY

Another social media user questioned how the donated ambulance made its way to Argentina.

Here was the NVERS reply:

“From Mike Barrett: ‘It was donated to a foundation that collects EMS, police and firefighting equipment from departments and ships them in containers to the countries that are in-need. There are several medics and firefighters that go to the countries on their own expense and do training with the donated equipment.’”

Several residents noted their appreciation for the unusual donation.

• “It’s wonderful that these vehicles have an extended life and continue to service communities.”
• “Amazing, hope it serves them well!”

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