Carpentersville receives federal grant for new ambulance equipment

Two ambulances will be getting new power cots and lift systems, thanks to a $61,819 grant awarded to the Carpentersville Fire Department.

The new equipment will make it easier to lift a patient on a stretcher into an ambulance, primarily helping to prevent first responders from injuring their backs, Fire Chief John Skillman said.

"It's a big deal for us," he said. "It's all about safety for the guys and gals of the department."

Carpentersville fire officials applied for the Assistance to Firefighters Operations and Safety grant nearly a year ago, Skillman said. The funds are awarded through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

Vikki Hanson, fire program specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said the program is highly competitive, and federal funds are typically awarded to departments that request high-priority safety items in their applications.

Applications are evaluated based on the equipment fire officials are seeking, the type of community they serve and the narrative that justifies their need for the grant money, she said.

"This federal funding will ensure that when fires or other emergencies occur in our communities, our nation's firefighters and first responders have access to the best resources and the equipment necessary to help protect them as they protect us," Sen. Dick Durbin said in a statement.

Each power cot and lift system costs about $30,000, Skillman said. This does not include the cost of retrofitting the cot into the ambulance.

The department was notified Wednesday it will receive the grant. The department will also get a new ambulance - which has its own power cot and lift system - in October, he said.

"If we can save one back injury, it's worth all the work in applying for the grant," Skillman said.