FALFURRIAS, Texas — Brooks County, Texas, relies on just two ambulances to serve its population.
According to Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ruben Ramirez, there are at least 20 instances each month where no ambulance is available because both are occupied,
KIII
reported.
This situation is expected to improve soon, thanks to a $2.4 million Operation Lone Star grant awarded to the county. Officials have announced that $800,000 of the grant will be allocated to the volunteer fire department to purchase new vehicles and hire three full-time EMTs.
“We’re 45 minutes from the nearest hospital, so when you talk about it, say you have an EMS call right now, by the time they respond to Spohn Kleberg or Spohn Alice, by the time they get the patient admitted and turn back and head back, fuel up, come back, get ready for another call you’re looking at an hour downtime at a minimum,” Ramirez said.
Officials aim to have EMTs in position by February, with the paramedic program set to launch on the streets shortly after January 1.
Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully-developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our
grants services
here.
Up to 10,000 employees face layoffs as part of a major overhaul led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following President Trump’s move to end their collective bargaining rights
A judge dismissed a lawsuit against Puyallup police and Central Pierce Fire & Rescue filed by a woman who was misdiagnosed with DUI but was later found to have suffered a massive stroke
Thousands of first responders and survivors rely on the WTC Health Program to get treatment related to injuries and illnesses caused by the toxins at Ground Zero
Firefighters, police officers and teachers will see higher Social Security payments starting in April after the repeal of WEP and GPO under the new Social Security Fairness Act
