SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $100K IN FED FUNDS FOR MERCY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES IN GENESEE COUNTY

Federal Funding For Mercy EMS Will Be Used to Equip Ambulances With Electronic Lifting Stretchers and Stair-Chairs

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $103,637 for Mercy Emergency Medical Services in Genesee County. The money was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The federal funds will allow Mercy EMS to equip their ambulances with power lift stretchers and tracked stair-chairs. The power stretcher will allow medical crews to lift a patient simply by touching a button, rather than lifting them manually and risking injury. The electronic tracked stair-chair will allow patients to be moved down a flight of stairs without manually lifting them.

“It is critical that we provide local first responders like Mercy EMS with the funding they need to keep our citizens safe,” said Senator Schumer. “Every day, our first responders put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and these heroes deserve the latest safety gear and equipment so they can do their jobs effectively and save lives.”

“We must ensure that our local first responders who protect our community have the most up-to-date equipment they need to help save lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Mercy EMS will use this funding to purchase critical, life-saving equipment that will help them provide medical assistance in emergency situations.”

“As a nonprofit agency Mercy EMS could not afford these upgrades without grant assistance. The impact of the equipment involves increased patient safety and when dealing with larger patients with an increased level of dignity,” said Bill Schutt, General Manager of Mercy EMS.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need.  More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.

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