Ambulance Service

UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown features a robust ambulance service that operates from its separate EMS garage on the campus of the new hospital in Marshalltown.

The service consists of a fleet of an SUV and seven ambulances, many equipped with state-of-the-art features. The fleet operates in Marshall and surrounding counties, while also conducting patient transfers (non-911 calls) for Poweshiek County.

When UnityPoint Health took over the bankrupt Marshalltown hospital in 2017, it inherited four depreciated ambulances and added three more in 2018-2019 with $750,000 in capital funds. The fleet welcomed two more ambulances in 2021 with additional capital funds.

The newer ambulances:

• Are larger than previous models, and they feature a liquid-air ride system, which increases the comfort for patients in the back
• Include all-wheel drive, which provides more safety and improves service during Iowa winters
• Contain DVD players mounted to the ceiling to provide calming entertainment for patients during transports, especially children
• Feature the same interior design as previous ambulances, which reflects preferences of EMS providers

"With the increase of heart attacks, strokes and other medical emergencies, having a bigger fleet of ambulances is crucial," said Nick Heintz, Regional Manager Ground Ambulance Service at UnityPoint Health – Marshalltown. "With more vehicles active, we can be more efficient in routing our ambulances and stretching the regions we support, like Marshalltown, Conrad and Grinnell."