NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded Northern Berkshire EMS a $464,980 Operations and Safety Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
"It's a huge benefit for us in terms of capital expenses. It is a huge relief for us, landing these grants," Northern Bekshire EMS General Manager John Meaney Jr. said.
The competitive grant is part of a $15.78 million fund awarded to emergency services across the state. Although it is labeled as a firefighter grant, a portion is carved out for emergency medical services. Meaney said, in total, the grant is nearly $511,000 with a federal share of almost $465,000.
This year the funding will replace ambulance power cots and power load systems.
"We have the power cots that actually carry the patient, and then the power load systems are the systems that actually pick the stretcher up and put it into the ambulance," he said. "It is much safer for the patients and for the providers. It saves on back injuries and things of that nature."
Meaney said all of the ambulances can be fitted with power cots but the ones currently installed are nearing the end of their useful lives. He said the current stock is between 10 and 13 years old.
The cots cost $36,000 each while the load system costs $31,000. He said they will order six power cots and three power loaders.
Additionally, the money will help replace and upgrade the ambulance fleet radios.
"So we're upgrading those to triband radios, multichannel, multiband radios, which gives us access to multiple frequencies all in one radio. Which is very helpful because we cover a large geographic area," he said. "So if you go over to Franklin County, they're on a different frequency range than over here in Berkshire County, so we'd have to have two radios in the ambulance. So now we're able to kind of consolidate all that into one radio."
The grant will also help Northern Berkshire purchase three base radios.
Lastly, the grant will allow it to send eight paramedics to further their training to the Critical Care Paramedic certification level.
Additionally, Meaney said there was some money left over from a previous grant that they will use to fund an emergency medical technician course. Those interested in becoming an EMT can take advantage of free training.
"We're trying to really drum up staff levels," he said. "Because that is still a concern right across the industry so we want to bolster our staff."
The course will start in October and those interested can apply online or contact Northern Berkshire EMS at 413-664-6680.
Meaney also provided a fleet update and said it continues to get refreshed with the newest addition coming in three months ago
"We've taken delivery of six newer ambulances over the last couple of years. We typically don't replace them on that type of schedule, but due to backlog of production and supply shortages all stemming from COVID, that's just how backed up they've been," he said. "If you place an order for an ambulance today, you're probably going to see it in two years.
Currently, there are eight vehicles in the fleet with four more on order.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
North Adams to Hold Community Meeting On Route 2 Overpass
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Route 2 Overpass Study (R2OS) will host its second community engagement event on Saturday, April 05, 2025 from 10am until noon.
This event, referred to as the Community Visioning Session, will take place in person at the Berkshire Innovation Center on the Mass MoCA campus.
The community is invited to join the project team for a presentation of project updates and to share their thoughts and questions.
Participants are encouraged to visit the new online project platform for further information at https://www.rt2overpass.info/.
For those unable to attend the Community Visioning Session, interactive activities and opportunities for input can be found on the project website.
Bailey explained that this change will allow police officers more flexibility when responding to non-emergency calls, reducing wait times at the traffic light and reducing potential traffic congestion when emergency vehicles need to pass through.
click for more
First Congregational Church of North Adams' fourth annual "Share the Love" campaign concluded with over $9,000 raised to support local organizations serving individuals in need. click for more
The School Building Committee's update on Tuesday included that a public records request for the detailed design documents is requiring redaction and review, including by public safety. click for more