Marion County Fire Rescue receives over $850,000 in grant funding for new power load stretchers - Ocala-News.com

2022-12-21 15:58:04 By : Mr. bellen hou

Marion County Fire Rescue recently received $858,000 in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the purchase of new stretchers.

The funds, which were received from the Assistance to Firefighters grant, will be utilized to purchase 39 Stryker power load stretcher systems. These stretchers will then be installed in all MCFR transport units across Marion County.

According to MCFR, each power load stretcher significantly reduces muscle-skeletal injuries since it enables first responders to “load” their patients instead of “lifting” them. In a social media post, MCFR highlighted that 99% of EMS workers across the nation stated that the power load system makes their jobs easier.

Over the past decade, MCFR has received three additional Assistance to Firefighters grants, totaling $1,116,482, which were used for direct capture exhaust systems ($573,182), fitness equipment ($106,300), and Lucas compression devices ($437,000).

Marion County Fire Chief James Banta stated, “I couldn’t be more honored to be Fire Chief of MCFR. This AFG grant for power load stretchers vastly improves MCFR’s services to the citizens and visitors of our county.  I want to especially thank Battalion Chief Robert Kruger for his diligence in carrying this grant from the application process to award.”