Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ems Funding Equipment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Emergency services staff win approval for patient-lift equipment as EMPG grant remains uncertain
Summary
Carlisle County officials approved a $3,180 purchase for patient-lift equipment to reduce EMS back injuries and heard that EMPG grant funding that typically contributes about $11,000 annually has not been released due to a FEMA shutdown.
An emergency services official (S1) told the Carlisle County fiscal court that new patient-lift devices demonstrated over several weeks made moving patients easier and could reduce back injuries for EMS crews, and he asked the court to approve purchasing the equipment for all three ambulance stretchers at a cost of $3,180.
"Back injuries are one of the worst things for EMS personnel," the Executive vice president, Heartsavers EMS (S1) said, describing a device that wraps around a patient and allows caregivers to lift with straps rather than manual lifting. The court moved, seconded and approved the purchase by voice vote.
S1 also briefed the court on EMPG (Emergency Management Performance Grant) funding, saying the federal program typically provides about $11,000 a year that helps pay part of a local emergency-management salary. "Right now, we have not received any EMPG funding," S1 said, noting FEMA operations were still stalled and state officials had no firm answers about contract timing; he urged the court to account for the uncertainty during budget planning.
The court approved the equipment purchase at the meeting and asked staff to monitor EMPG developments and report back as grant decisions are finalized.
