The Mayfield Fire Department has received a $227,273 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency toward the purchase of a bariatric ambulance.
Fire chief Randy Henson says the ambulance is much-needed as the Mayfield Fire Department has responded to 500 emergency calls involving people weighing 350 pounds or heavier in the last year.
Henson said the bariatric ambulance's back half will lower and a power-loading stretcher will help people aboard in a more timely manner. He said Paducah's Mercy Regional EMS has the only other bariatric ambulance in the region.
Kentucky 1st District Rep. Ed Whitfield announced the grant as part of $450,000 awarded to six area fire departments.
“I am delighted to see the Summer Shade, Knifley Area, Elkton, Grapevine, and Robards fire departments, along with the Mayfield Fire Department, receive these important federal resources,” Whitfield said, in a news release. “These fire prevention and safety projects will provide more security and service in crisis situations within these communities, and assist the neighboring areas as well.”
For full details on the rest of the grants, awarded in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, click here.
