Title
Acceptance of Florida EMS County Grant Award (NB)
This item requests approval to accept $58,870 in reimbursement grant funding from the Florida Department of Health EMS Grant Program to be distributed to the City of Gainesville through Alachua County.
Explanation
The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (BEMS), awards funds from the State EMS Trust Fund to boards of county commissioners to improve and enhance pre-hospital emergency medical services in their counties. The annual amount allocated to each county is proportional to the amount of traffic fine surcharges collected in the county as a result of motor vehicle infractions.
Alachua County has been allocated $147,810 for the grant period October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008 (Alachua County Board of County Commissioners Resolution 07-110). Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) has requested funding to enhance the City's emergency medical services through the purchase of: 1) one Heavy Rescue Package of power tools, including hammers, grinders, cutters, saws, drills, and their accessories; 2) one Bullard T4-thermal imaging camera; and 3) twelve Air Traq units which provide imaging of patients' airways during intubation. The award will provide reimbursement funding, at minimum, of $58,870 for GFR to purchase the equipment.
Fiscal Note
Reimbursement funds will be received from Alachua County in the amount of $58,870, or greater. There is no required match.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager to expend the funds for the items requested.
Alternate Recommendation A: The City Commission not authorize the City Manager to expend funds for the items.