During last Wednesday’s county budget session, EMS Director Hoyte Hale asked for funding to purchase new portable radios.

“We need at least ten portables. We have five units and need two portables per truck. We could get ten portables for $5,500,” said Hale.

Efforts are being made to secure a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant to purchase a Power-LOAD cot system for four of the ambulances.

“We have applied for an AFG grant for $145,000 with a 5% match for a new loading system from the Stryker Company. What that would allow us to do is when we pull up on a call and get out, the cot would automatically come out and lower down and when we get the patient, place him on the cot and begin to load him on the ambulance the system would lift the cot with the patient and place it into the ambulance without the staff having to do any heavy lifting preventing any possible back injuries. That system is $35,000 but if the grant is approved it would equip four of our ambulances,” said Hale.

The county also plans to purchase a new ambulance for the EMS operation in 2020.