East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced today that applications are now being accepted for the County’s new grant opportunity to provide life-saving equipment to fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps for their ‘fly car’ vehicles.

“When it comes to a medical emergency, seconds count, and as the communities across Dutchess County face challenges with emergency medical services, we’re committed to creating out-of-the-box solutions to address this crisis,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Fly cars are often the first to respond to an emergency scene and can provide life-saving medical services to stabilize patients until an ambulance arrives, which can make the difference between life and death. I encourage our first responders to apply for this new initiative and look forward to continuing to work alongside them to grow our EMS resources.”

Dutchess County fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps will be eligible to apply for up to $20,000 in grant awards for life-saving equipment for their fly car vehicles. Eligible equipment expenses include those required by Title: Section 800.26 Emergency Ambulance Service Vehicles other than an ambulance. Other appropriate life-saving equipment includes devices like the Lucas Chest Compression System, a portable mechanical device that provides automated compressions to help manage cardiac arrest.

Grant applications are now available online via Dutchess County’s online grant portal and will be accepted until Friday, October 11, 2024. Award announcements are expected in November 2024.

In exchange for the equipment, the fly cars will feature branded recruitment messaging on portions of the vehicles to encourage residents to consider career and volunteer opportunities. The branding will also include a centralized web address providing more information about the EMS field, including the paramedic program at Dutchess Community College.

Instructions and guidance for the grant application are available online. Applicants must ensure compliance with Dutchess County’s Procurement Policies and Procedures. For more information on the grant program and application process, please contact the Department of Emergency Response at 845-486-2080.