Donated Mine Ambulance Supports Two Local Rescues

When seconds matter, the right equipment can make all the difference. This summer, the mini-ambulance, donated by Eagle Mine to L'Anse Fire & Rescue, was called into service twice, helping responders reach patients faster in rugged Upper Peninsula terrain.

Silver Mountain rope rescue

In July, L’Anse Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a rope rescue at Silver Mountain. The compact ambulance, which was built to navigate tight spaces underground and is now repurposed for backcountry response, became a quiet workhorse on scene. Firefighters used it to shuttle heavy rope gear several hundred yards to the cliff area and later to move the patient back to the waiting ambulance, sparing already-spent rescuers a difficult carry-out. The department shared its appreciation for the donation and the difference it made that night.

Canyon Falls carry-out

This month, the ambulance was called into action again. This time, a mushroom hunter was injured in the Canyon Falls area – another location where traditional ambulances couldn't reach the patient.

The rescue, involving L'Anse Fire and Rescue volunteers and Bay Ambulance personnel, made local headlines when the Mining Journal covered the story. The newspaper noted the critical role of "an emergency response unit donated by Eagle Mine" in the successful rescue operation.

These incidents highlight the value of specialized vehicles beyond our mine fence. At Eagle, we maintain our own mine rescue team and a dedicated ambulance service for on-site emergencies. When we outgrew our unit, we donated the previous underground ambulance to L’Anse Fire & Rescue in 2021, allowing it to continue serving our community, where conventional vehicles can’t easily access.

Thank you to L’Anse Fire & Rescue, Bay Ambulance, and all first responders who step in when the terrain is rugged and time is short. We’re proud to play a small part in helping you do what you do best.