REMS is pleased to announce that on Friday May 28, 2010 a grant application was submitted to FEMA under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. According to the FEMA website, "the primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations". Our goal in pursuing these grants is to provide our staff with up to date presonal protective equipment, a safer working environment and provide those we care for with state of the art equipment. In total, we are seeking $256,704.00 in funding under AFG.
What are we pursuing?
Ambulances
Under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, REMS is looking to receive funding to purchase 2 new ambulances. If awarded, this grant will allow us to upgrade our aging fleet offering the following benefits:
- Decreased maintenance costs
- Decreased fuel costs because of a better fuel economy
- Decreased down time because of costly maintenance and repairs
- An overall operating savings
Personal Protective Equipment
The personal protective equipment, or PPE, is similar to a firefighter’s turn-out gear but is manufactured with EMS in mind. This gear will provide our staff with the head to toe protection they need and deserve while operating in environments that require more protection than our standard uniform can provide. The PPE we are seeking includes helmets, EMS “turn-out” coat, EMS “turn-out” pant, gloves and boots. All protective equipment sought meets requirements/guidelines set forth by the National Fire Protection Agency.
Stretchers
This equipment upgrade will provide the residents we serve with one of the most up to date stretchers on the market. These stretchers are motorized and battery powered. The advantages to this is reducing the potential risk of injuries to staff while lifting a loaded stretcher and provide our patient’s with a more fluid, less jarring motion. These stretchers will also our patient’s with more options to position them comfortably.
Vehicle Exhaust Evacuation System
These systems attach directly to the vehicles while parked in the stations via a magnetic system and remove all vehicle exhaust while the vehicle is running or pulling out. This provides a healthier work environment to our staff.
