This week's Monday night training focused on some new equipment for our EMS Division. Back in September the Department was awarded grant funding towards the upgrade of new stretchers including a "Power Load" system for the ambulances. With the installation process complete we turn to education and training on these new assets. This battery powered system will raise and lower the litter with just a push of a button equaling a safer environment for our providers as back injuries alone account for more than 20% of all workplace injuries in the United States. Many times for high acuity calls, the fire department is summoned to assist with lifting and moving of the patient due to the EMS providers being directly engaged in patient care. Our partners from the Liberty Fire Company joined us to go after the do's and don'ts of the new system as they are an invaluable resource in Chester County to our crews on MICU 83.

We continue to make strides ensuring our providers and the Spring-Ford community receive nothing short of the best pre-hospital care and equipment available. These equipment upgrades would be delayed without the approval for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) approval for over $77,000. These grants are submitted by our own RFD members and we can eternally grateful for their dedication and work behind the scenes to deliver these improvements.