The Pennsboro Volunteer Fire Department has had the same gear for the last 12 years, and has just received notice from Congressman McKinley's office that it has been awarded a $90,000 grant for 30 sets of new gear. 

The fire department is meeting with companies before making a decision on the group to go with. 

Firefighters said that the new gear will provide better protection, but also takes a heavy weight off their shoulders. 

The portable device attached to a disposable blade with an embedded camera should increase the first pass rate by 30 percent, allowing paramedics to quickly administer intubation procedures on patients in medical emergencies.

A first pass rate means successfully inserting the laryngoscope to intubate the patient on the first try, according to Sarah Merrick EMS training officer. 

With proper training, paramedics in the field can have an 80 to 90 percent first pass rate versus the average 50 percent rate for paramedics nationwide, Merrick said.