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COPPER HARBOR -- In a medical emergency, every minute counts.  That's why the 45-minute ambulance response time in Copper Harbor is often too long.  Community officials say it's time for their own ambulance garage.

"The worst is the wait," said Copper Harbor Fire Chief, Tom Boost.  "You're talking 37 miles at least from the closest garage, and that's on a good day."

"For someone in some sort of medical emergency, that can be a pretty lengthy wait, and you also have the return trip," said Staci Gibson, President of the Copper Harbor Improvement Association.

The nearest garages are in Laurium and Hancock, which serve Portage Health and Aspirus Keeweenaw Hospitals.

With all of the outdoor activity that Copper Harbor has to offer, it's no surprise that the community is prone to accidents.

"This area is very active and we enjoy a lot of visitors that come and take advantage of the recreational opportunities," Gibson said.  "But in doing so, that also increases a probability of there being accidents that take place."

The community has six first responders, but without an ambulance, they often find themselves without hope.

But the community is trying to change that.  They're competing in the Pepsi Refresh project for $250,000; money they'll use to build the garage that will get them their ambulance.

Thousands of organizations nationwide compete for the grant each month.  The two with the most votes get the funding.  Copper Harbor is currently in 13th place.

"We definitely encourage you to please vote for us," Gibson said.  "An accident can occur at anytime, at any moment, to anybody."

If the community doesn't win, they plan to compete again and also apply for other grants.

To vote for the ambulance garage project, visit http://www.refresheverything.com/copperharborambulancebarn

Polls close October 31.