Putnam County EMS Receives Federal Grant
August 2, 2007, COOKEVILLE – Putnam County EMS will receive a $79,052 U.S. Department of Homeland Security equipment grant, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.
“Many communities struggle to maintain EMS and firefighting services,” said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Even though demands on EMS providers and firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not.
“That’s why Congress initiated the Assistance to Firefighters Program, which is similar to the highly successful COPS program that put more than 100,000 new police officers on the nation’s streets.” AFP provides grants to both EMS organizations and fire departments
Putnam County EMS will use the funds to purchase nine battery-operated cots, according to Assistant Director Tommy Copeland. The power cots automatically raises and lowers, as opposed to being physically raised and lowered by EMS providers, to get patients on the cot and into the ambulance.
The cots will not only benefit patients, but also Putnam County EMS providers. Copeland said injuries incurred by EMS providers lifting patients frequently cut their careers short.
“We’re trying to prevent injury and promote longevity. We lose a lot of people because of injuries they receive on the job,” Copeland said.
“This is the first time we’ve gotten this award. We’re very grateful to receive this money. It’s a great benefit to our EMS providers and the community at large,” he said.
