Williamson County EMS Secures Grant for Crucial Swift Water Rescue Equipment
AUSTIN, TX – Williamson county Emergency Medical Services (WCEMS) is poised too significantly enhance its swift water rescue capabilities following the Williamson County Commissioners’ approval to apply for a grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The funding will be used to acquire a dedicated swift water rescue boat and essential gear,a move that officials say could be life-saving.
Currently, WCEMS relies on borrowed boats from othre departments when responding to swift water emergencies. This dependency can lead to critical delays in reaching victims. Kevin Krinke, a shift commander for WCEMS, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’ll see people that need to be rescued, but we have to wait on other boats to get there to help with the rescues. Us having our own boat, it just allows us to get to some more of these victims quicker and rescue them without having to wait.”
The need for this equipment was starkly illustrated during the recent July 4th flooding events. Krinke recounted how the lack of dedicated resources may have had tragic consequences. “With the flooding here, our teams try to rescue at least three victims. Regrettably, two of the ones that they tried to rescue didn’t make it. They weren’t able to get to them in time,” he explained. “Due to the fast-rising waters-having extra boats in the water could possibly find these victims quicker.”
The LCRA’s Community Grant Programme offers up to $50,000 for capital betterment projects. For grants exceeding $5,000, a 20% match from the recipient is required. WCEMS plans to purchase a Zodiac FC-420 swift water rescue boat, which costs $21,850. Including rigging and personal protective equipment, the total project cost is $39,298.64. This means WCEMS will need to provide a matching contribution of $7,859.73.
Key Details Not in Original Article:
Specific Grant Program: The grant is being sought from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Community Grant Program.
Grant Funding Cap: The LCRA awards up to $50,000 for eligible capital improvement projects.
Matching Requirement: A 20% match is required for grants over $5,000.
Boat Model: The specific boat intended for purchase is the Zodiac FC-420.
total Project Cost: The complete cost for the boat, rigging, and gear is $39,298.64.
WCEMS Match Amount: The required matching funds from WCEMS amount to $7,859.73.
* Number of Trained Personnel: WCEMS currently has 14 staff members trained in swift water rescues.
Angle to Focus On:
the immediate impact of this grant on response times and the potential to save lives in future flood events. The article can also explore the broader implications for emergency preparedness in williamson County and the importance of dedicated, specialized equipment for rapid response teams.