U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright announced this week that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp with a $41,115 Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

The funds will be distributed via the Federal Emergency Management Agency.The Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp will use the funds to purchase battery-powered ambulance litters and automated Power Lift Cots/Stretchers."The grant will be put to good use in saving back injuries attributed to lifting patients into the ambulance," said John McArdle, president.Back injuries are a common cause for workplace injuries in the United States and are a particular problem in EMS."I am glad that the Nesquehoning Ambulance Corp will be able to purchase this high-priority equipment," Cartwright said, a member of the Congressional Fire Service Caucus. "I will continue to strongly support this federal program which helps to ensure the safety of our communities."The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $6.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.