STAFF REPORTS
news@allwnynews.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $22,691 in federal funding for the Victor-Farmington Volunteer Ambulance Corp. The grant was allocated through the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which is designed to help first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.
“Financial limitations should not prevent our first responders from accessing the equipment necessary to keep our communities safe in the event of an emergency,” said Congressman Chris Collins. “The AFG program is a great opportunity for first responders to utilize federal funding to purchase new equipment and improve resources that will undoubtedly help maintain the safety of our local communities. I was honored to work with the Victor-Farmington Volunteer Ambulance Corp. to secure this $22,691 in AFG funding.”
“This grant from FEMA will allow our agency to make a first time purchase of two cardiac chest compression devices to be in service on two of our first-out ambulances,” said Jeremy Hotchkiss, Deputy Chief of the Victor-Farmington Volunteer Ambulance Corp. “The cardiac chest compression devices will compliment our two recently obtained cardiac monitors and will eliminate the need for first responders to conduct manual chest compressions during CPR-related incidents. We’re thankful to FEMA for this award and Congressman Collins for his continued support. We look forward to using this equipment to increase chances of survival during a cardiac-arrest emergency.”
This federal grant will allow the Victor-Farmington Volunteer Ambulance Corp. to purchase two cardiac chest compression devices. Cardiac chest compression devices help to sustain a higher blood flow to the brain and heart compared to manual compressions. Access to these devices also allow first responders to focus on other life-saving tasks and creates new rescue opportunities.
The AFG Grant Program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies, and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of both the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.
