Good Samaritan EMS presented a capital equipment plan to Knox County officials Tuesday.

EMS Director Tim Benningfield appeared before the county commissioners with a proposal from Stryker, which is the EMS’s vendor for the patient care equipment that goes into the back of the ambulances.

He says it’s the equipment which is durable and not disposable with a life expectancy of 7 to 8 years such as stretchers, EKG machines and heart monitors.

Benningfield says Stryker’s plan would guarantee the latest equipment for the next 10 years…

Benninfield says it’s a better plan than the original idea of saving $120,000 per year to buy new equipment in 7 to 8 years.

Stryker’s deal he says will mean the latest upgrades when they become available along with support and maintenance.

In the coming weeks Benningfield will be going before the county council and other government boards and councils throughout the county with the same information.

Knox County contracts with Good Sam EMS to provide ambulance service to the county.

It’s paid for through the county’s LIT or public safety income tax.