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$800K grant helps Texas FD buy ambulance, hire EMTs

The Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department will use funding from an Operation Lone Star grant to put more EMTs on the street

FALFURRIAS, Texas — Brooks County, Texas, relies on just two ambulances to serve its population.

According to Falfurrias Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ruben Ramirez, there are at least 20 instances each month where no ambulance is available because both are occupied, KIII reported.

This situation is expected to improve soon, thanks to a $2.4 million Operation Lone Star grant awarded to the county. Officials have announced that $800,000 of the grant will be allocated to the volunteer fire department to purchase new vehicles and hire three full-time EMTs.

“We’re 45 minutes from the nearest hospital, so when you talk about it, say you have an EMS call right now, by the time they respond to Spohn Kleberg or Spohn Alice, by the time they get the patient admitted and turn back and head back, fuel up, come back, get ready for another call you’re looking at an hour downtime at a minimum,” Ramirez said.

Officials aim to have EMTs in position by February, with the paramedic program set to launch on the streets shortly after January 1.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.