PCAD Receives $25,000 AFG Grant

The Pettis County Ambulance District has been awarded a $25,000 American Firefighters Grant to purchase safety coats for all PCAD employees.These “bunker coats” are what firefighters wear in dangerous situations and will help protect PCAD paramedics and EMTs from injury.

“When we have a bad car crash where our guys are having to break a window or use the Jaws of Life to saw the roof off a car, glass and debris are flying everywhere,” said PCAD Administrator Mike Gardner. “Typically if someone is trapped in a car, our EMTs will get into the car with them to begin treatment. These coats will help protect our employees from getting hurt themselves.”

Gardner said the coats will be fitted to each employee and some grant money will also be used to purchase safety helmets, similar to what firefighters regularly use.

“This is a very exciting grant for us and we’re thankful we can now get the ball rolling on these purchases,” Gardner said. “It’s not often that an ambulance district is awarded what is typically a fire district grant, but we’re going to put this money to good use protecting our crews.”