In Poughkeepsie, NY, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino made a significant announcement today. The County has introduced the new Fly Car Grant Awards, which are set to provide crucial funding for life-saving equipment to fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps. These "fly car" vehicles play a vital role in our emergency medical services (EMS) system, arriving on the scene quickly and equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to stabilize patients in critical situations.

Enhancing Emergency Response Capabilities

As part of the fly car grant award program, the recipient departments' fly cars will proudly display branded, unified recruitment messaging. This messaging is designed to encourage residents to explore career and volunteer opportunities in EMS. It serves as a direct link, directing individuals to a centralized web address where they can find detailed information about EMS opportunities, including local paramedic programs.

Specific Grant Recipients and Equipment

The Arlington Fire District has been awarded $20,000 for a LUCAS 3.1 Chest Compression System by Physio-Control. This advanced system is crucial in providing effective chest compressions during emergencies. The Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp received $15,688 for a Lifeline ARM Chest Compression System, enhancing their ability to handle critical situations. The Beekman Fire District was granted $20,000 for a Stryker LUCAS device, further strengthening their emergency response capabilities.The Fairview Fire District was awarded $19,980 to enhance critical response efficiency. This funding will enable them to acquire additional equipment that can make a significant difference in saving lives. The Hughsonville Fire Department received $20,000 to enhance basic life support capabilities, ensuring they have the necessary tools to provide immediate help at the scene. The Hyde Park Fire Department was given $12,000 to replace defibrillators and other essential equipment.The J. H. Ketcham Hose Co., Inc. was awarded $7,172 to provide automated external defibrillators and Trauma/O2 Backpacks. These portable devices can be a lifesaver in critical moments. The LaGrange Fire District was given $5,700 to purchase an automated external defibrillator, adding to their emergency response arsenal. The New Hamburg Fire District received $19,981 to purchase an automatic chest compression device, further improving their ability to handle emergencies. Finally, the Union Vale Fire Department was awarded $20,000 for resources to restructure the response of a rescue squad, ensuring they are better equipped to handle various situations.

Commitment to Health and Safety

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino emphasized the importance of these fly cars in the EMS system. "Fly cars are an essential component of our EMS system, providing rapid care when every second matters," she said. "By supporting our first responders with these grants, we're not only enhancing emergency response capabilities but also reinforcing our commitment to the health and safety of Dutchess County residents."Dutchess County Legislature Chairman Will Truitt also highlighted the significance of this initiative. "The health and safety of the people we represent must remain a top priority for Dutchess County. This grant program is an essential piece to ensuring that those that we ask to confront the challenging landscape of emergency response are properly equipped when they arrive on scene."Paul Rogers, Jr., Chief of the Hughsonville Fire Department, expressed his gratitude. "This Fly Car grant provides life-saving equipment to help us provide critical, immediate help at the scene of an emergency. We are grateful to County Executive Serino for her support in tackling the challenges we face with EMS and we look forward to working together with Dutchess County on this initiative and other endeavors."This initiative is part of Dutchess County's continued investment in addressing the EMS crisis. Serino previously announced a $2 million historic investment in EMS in her 2025 Executive Budget Proposal, which includes the launch of supplemental ambulance coverage, as well as workforce development initiatives and a public education campaign. The Dutchess County Legislature is scheduled to vote on the 2025 Budget at their Board Meeting on Monday, December 9th, 2024, with the full 2025 Budget process to be completed by December 18th, 2024 with the adoption of the tax levy.