Volunteer Firefighter and EMT Association seeks donations for power stretchers
Published 1:30 am Thursday, March 17, 2022
Submitted by the Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter and EMT Association.
The Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter and EMT Association (OIVFEA) has launched a funding campaign for the purchase of “Power Lift and Load” stretchers. Currently, when island EMTs and Firefighters respond to an emergency call, they use a “manual” stretcher. These stretchers, along with the added weight of the average patient onboard, can reach 350 to 400-pounds and are manually lifted and loaded into an ambulance – at times by only two responders.
With the Power Lift and Load stretcher, responders can lift and load the patient into an ambulance with the push of a button – which is better for the patient and safer for our responders.
OIVFEA, a non-profit organization compiled of our local volunteer responders, historically funds items like this for the department through fundraising events such as the community pancake breakfasts. However, due to the COVID-19 shutdown, the organization has gone two years without the ability to host major fundraising events.
With funds already earmarked for the purchase, the Volunteer Association aims to raise an additional $65,000 toward the full purchase of $93,000 for the two main ambulances. All donations are tax-deductible and will go towards the purchase of the equipment.
Contributions can be made to the organization for the equipment by sending a check to OIVFEA for “Power Lift and Load” to P.O. Box 25, Eastsound, WA 98245. If you would like to pay by credit card, please email to OIVFEA@gmail.com for the link to pay online.
We thank you for your continued support of your first responders!
