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THE AMBULANCE
Medical help for injuries or
sudden illness in Englewood
was sketchy through the 1960s
and '70s.
The nearest hospital was
Venice Hospital — a long 20- to
30-minute drive from Englewood
in those days. If someone called
for help, an injured or ill patient
had to wait for the ambulance
crew to drive from Venice, and
then return in the ambulance to
the hospital for treatment.
In the early 1970s, Bob Scott
and several of his friends talked
the local fire department into
getting an ambulance which
was actually an older hearse.
"There was a huge accident
on Beach Road, which is very
winding, and a couple of the
kids got killed," Wille said.
"When Mr. Elmer Heintz fell
and got hit by a car, dad had
enough."
Scott and Wendell Hicks
bought a used hearse, claiming
they got it for 25 cents a pound.
Wille remembers making new
cushions and drapes for the
vehicle while her father made
sure it was in good running
condition.
SCOTT
FROM PAGE 9A
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NANCY WILLE
Robert Scott, centered, photographed with Kenny Purden, left, and Donald Weekes while they operate a HAM radio in 1958.
SCOTT | 11A
