Enumclaw Emergency Response Receives $10,000 Grant Toward Purchase of Power Stretcher

Enumclaw Fire/King County Fire District No. 28 received a $10,000 grant on Thursday to purchase a new power stretcher that is hydraulically powered to raise and lower a patient in order to provide for patient comfort, responder safety and ease of transport.

The grant comes from a partnership of Propel Insurance and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company and is part of a nationwide philanthropic program designed to provide equipment, training and tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations, according to a press release issued by the two companies.

“Our rescuers deserve to be working with the best equipment available,” said Jill Vaitkus of Propel Insurance.  “Working with the right stretcher can have a dramatic impact on the number of injuries rescue squad members face down the road.”

This power stretcher is also rated for a higher capacity than the older equipment, allowing transport of heavier and larger patients without the need to wait for a specialty unit.

“As first responders, it is imperative we transport patients quickly, safely and comfortably,” said Fire Chief Joe Clow. “This new stretcher will allow us to respond to medical emergencies knowing we have the tools to provide the highest quality service to our community.”

Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has issued grants to more than 1,800 different organizations totaling more than $29 million. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Propel Insurance, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

Through this program, Propel Insurance has directed over $288,000 in grants to fire departments nationwide.

To visit Fireman’s Fund’s “Supporting Firefighters” Facebook page, go to www.facebook.com/SupportingFirefighters.