The public got their first chance to see the city of Chelsea’s new transport unit at a reception Tuesday night.

The transport unit, which will be used by the Chelsea Fire Department, cost $126,000. It is equipped with a heart monitor, which was donated by Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley said the transport unit would help the department assist patients who needed medical help.

“We can continue providing the best possible patient care all the way to the hospital,” he said.

The transport unit was quickly put to use. It had actually gone out on a call and transported a victim to the hospital Tuesday morning, Shirley said.

Before getting the transport unit, the city used private ambulance companies. Chelsea will continue to use the companies as needed, but the transport unit is the city’s primary ambulance unit now.

April Weaver, a spokesperson for Shelby Baptist, said the heart monitor was worth close to $23,000.

Weaver said Shelby Baptist’s goal is to give back to the community.

“That’s where Shelby Baptist and Chelsea have the same goal — to provide quality health care to the community,” she said.