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Dutchess County is distributing over $160,000 to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) through its Fly Car Grant Awards. Announced by County Executive Sue Serino, the funds will support ten local fire departments, rescue squads, and ambulance corps in acquiring life-saving equipment for their "fly car" vehicles. These vehicles are crucial in providing rapid medical care, often arriving first at emergency scenes to stabilize patients until ambulances arrive.
The grant program aims to improve emergency response capabilities and includes a unique recruitment initiative. The fly cars will display branded messaging to encourage residents to explore EMS career and volunteer opportunities, directing them to a centralized web address for more information.
According to Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, "Fly cars are an essential component of our EMS system, providing rapid care when every second matters." The initiative is part of Dutchess County's broader efforts to address an EMS crisis, which includes a $2 million investment in the 2025 budget for supplemental ambulance coverage and workforce development.
The funding will also help reduce reliance on mutual aid services by enhancing local EMS resources. The Dutchess County Legislature is expected to finalize the 2025 budget by December 18, 2024, which will further support these initiatives.