Templeton Fire and Emergency Services is the recipient of a $20,000 grant to purchase new extrication equipment, referred to as a Combi Extrication tool, and new stabilization struts, according to a press release. These specialized tools help first responders safely rescue vehicle accident victims trapped inside a vehicle and help keep the vehicle stable during an extrication.

“This new equipment will help reduce the time it takes us to safely stabilize the vehicle and reach someone who needs immediate medical attention. The Combi Extrication tool combines two tools into one tool that can spread and cut without changing tools,” said Templeton Fire and Emergency Services, Captain Phillip Goldbloom. “Without the OTS grant funding, we would not be able to purchase modern rescue tools critical for the care of those injured in crashes. We are very grateful for this grant that will allow us to be faster and more efficient at stabilizing and extricating victims from vehicle accidents, and save lives.”

The grant will fund the purchase of one Amkus ION battery operated Combi Tool and Paratech Standard Vehicle Stabilization Kit.

Delays in providing care to crash victims impacts the “golden hour” of survival, a core principle in the emergency medical services industry. Reducing the time it takes to get to the patient, treat what can be treated, and transport the patient to the hospital helps increase the chance for recovery.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

WOODSTOCK, IL, December 16, 2022 — Ready Rack by Groves, a manufacturer and supplier of industry-leading storage solutions and health and wellness products, announced that Kris Thune has rejoined the company as President. The Ready Rack board of directors unanimously voted to appoint Ms. Thune to oversee operations for all products including Ready Rack’s garment and equipment storage racks, extractors, dryers and decontamination solutions as well as the company’s exclusive line of Pacific Helmets.

“Kris is the right leader for Ready Rack,” said Ben Ritthaler, Co-Owner. “Her extensive knowledge of our business and our partners will help Ready Rack strengthen distributor relationships, develop strategic alliances and expand our product line. We believe her strong leadership experience will propel the Ready Rack brand and maintain industry excellence.”

Ms. Thune stated, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue the family legacy and lead the company into the future.” Ms. Thune went on to say, “Our founder Hank Groves was an industry pioneer with numerous patents to his credit. He set forth our commitment to ensure the highest manufacturing and quality standards to deliver innovative and superior products at competitive prices.”

Kris Thune has been involved with Groves for over 30 years serving as Vice President of Operations before her departure. She helped to establish what is now one of the most iconic companies in the fire service industry and has remained a strategic advisor to the closely held family company.

About Ready Rack

Ready Rack has been a leader in the fire and safety industry for more than forty years. Ready Rack pioneered the original open-air storage racking system for storage of garments and light equipment and offers an extensive portfolio of patented products. A few years ago, the company launched its Health and Wellness line of equipment and products focusing on decontamination. In addition to selling a variety of extractors and cabinet dryers, Ready Rack recently introduced its proprietary line of Decon Ready™ decontamination line of products. For more information about our products, please visit us at: www.readyrack.com

Genesee County Emergency Management Services is pleased to announce the deployment of a MedLite Transport Bed for use by the Town of Bethany Fire Department, according to the press release. This equipment was obtained through the procurement of Homeland Security grant funding, is the property of Genesee County and is being deployed to the Bethany Fire Department for use at the Genesee County Park and Forest.

The State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and the State Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (SLETPP) are the two-core homeland security grant programs in New York State. Every county in the state, along with the city of New York, receives funding under these programs.

“The MedLite Transport Bed was deployed with Bethany Fire Department because they are the first responders to the County Park. The equipment fits their UTV and allows Bethany and Mercy Flight to more efficiently make extractions of injured individuals in the rough terrain of the County Park,” said Gregg Torrey, Genesee County District 6 Legislator.

The MedLite Transport Bed is a medical rescue skid unit for Utility Task Vehicles that has the ability to transport one patient on a long board or stokes basket and one attendant in a seat. The equipment also has the ability to be fully removed from the vehicle in the field. A video of the MedLite Transport System can be seen here.

Paul Osborn, Deputy Highway Superintendent, spoke to the use of the equipment at the Genesee County Park and Forest, “The use of it in a UTV will allow for access into areas of the park that aren’t accessible by a standard vehicle, and ultimately provide more safety for the guests of the park.”

One person is dead after getting into a Memphis Fire Department-involved car accident on Getwell Road Saturday, WREG.com reported.

A little after 3 a.m., the Memphis Fire Department was working the scene of a crash at 240 and Getwell, according to the Memphis Police Department.

MPD said on Twitter: The fire engine was struck by a vehicle. One person inside the car was pronounced dead on the scene. Another was taken to Regional One Health in critical condition.

Three firefighters were taken to hospitals in noncritical condition, the report said.

Memphis Police say this is an ongoing investigation.