The Red River Police Jury bought a used ambulance in Illinois for $7,500. It is fully equipped and large enough to transport three patients at a time, officials said.

Emergency medical technicians and paramedics will staff the ambulance, which will be based out of Christus Coushatta Health Care Center.

Parish officials began searching for alternatives two months ago after Pafford EMS announced it would end its service Sept. 7. Pafford, which is based in Ruston, cited escalating costs and low run numbers in Red River Parish as factors.

From The Associated Press