Cartwright Announces $41,115 DHS Grant for Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp

Press Release

Today, Representative Matt Cartwright announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp has been awarded a $41,115 Operations and Safety grant. The funds will allow the association to purchase battery-powered ambulance litter and automated Power Lift Cots/Stretchers. This type of equipment is necessary to protect the backs of first responders as they lift and transport patients safely into ambulances. Back injuries are a common cause for workplace injuries in the United States and are a particular problem in EMS. This purchase will better protect Nesquehoning's EMS workers.

"I am glad that the Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp will be able to purchase this high-priority equipment," Rep. Cartwright said, a member of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus. "I will continue to strongly support this federal program which helps to ensure the safety of our communities."

The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $6.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

The 2016 AFG Program will award approximately $310.5 million in competitive grants to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies.

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