This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week, a week when we recognize our local EMS personnel and rescue teams for their dedication to their communities. Some new equipment will be coming to teams in two local communities.

Stuart Rescue recently purchased a new ambulance cot with the help of a grant from the Guthrie County Community Foundation (GCCF). The new cot comes in handy, as one of their existing cots recently stopped working and was beyond repair. The original cost was just over $15,000, and the grant from the GCCF was $3,500. Stuart Rescue also received a new Lucas 3 CPR machine earlier this month. The machine was awarded to EMS departments in different counties through a grant with the Iowa Department of Public Health. The machine is also $15,000 and is Stuart Rescue’s second machine.

Panora EMS also received a Lucas 3 machine through the same grant opportunity. This is the third machine for Panora EMS.