From
Robert Fite
Title
Application for and acceptance of the FY 2015 Assistance to FireFighters Grant (AFG) program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in the amount of $164,153.80 for the purchase of Piston Driven Mechanical CPR devices with a cash match of $24,623 (15%).
Presenter
Robert Fite, Fire Chief
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
For years, Paramedics and EMT's have been doing manual Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on critical patients with great success as the survival ratio has steadily increased year after year as the medical technology and Paramedic skill levels advanced. The dilemma and glaring safety factor has always been during transport where CPR is stopped or not done in an efficient manner due to the moving ambulance. This is complicated by the fact the Paramedic must stand over the patient in a moving ambulance to perform CPR and is a glaring safety issue for the medical responder if an accident occurs. This has been an accepted risk factor with the profession but there is a new CPR device to eliminate this issue. Many fire departments are purchasing a Piston Driven Mechanical CPR device to replace the traditionally method of manual CPR. These devices do as close to perfect CPR as possible using the perfect ratio both on scene and while in the moving ambulance. The greatest benefit of this device is it allows a seat belted responder to still assist in patient care but eliminate the need for manual CPR. This application request includes acceptance if the Grand Prairie Fire Department is approved. FEMA will issue an approval list beginning in early 2015. This device is made by Physio Control and has the built in compatibility technology with our LifePack 15 Cardiac Monitors and considered a sole source. If the grant is approved and awarded, all sole source letters will be submitted and registered with FEMA and local purchasing requirements.
Financial Consideration
Funding in the amount of $24,623 for the 15% cash match is available in the FY 2014/2015 Fire Operating Budget by using salary savings (291210 50020). If awarded, $24,623 (15% match) will be transferred out of AU 291210 and into AU 300591 (City Grant Fund) and accounted for with grant proceeds. This requests includes a multi year service agreement for calibration and servicing. This purchase will only occur if the grant is funded and the time line for FEMA approval is between March 2105 and September 2015 for the grant award notification. Since the grant award is approximately 6-9 months away, the approved price of $164,153.80 may increase slightly and this agenda item is approving any increase in pricing up to 10% if this does occur.