The Volunteer Fire Department in Webster Springs, West Virginia recently used USDA Rural Development funds to purchase a 12-lead cardiac monitor and a thermal imaging camera.
The new cardiac monitor will replace an out-of-date monitor and will allow the fire department to continue to operate the ambulance it runs for the Webster Memorial Hospital. The monitor is accompanied by educational software to train the firefighters and will also be used by other medical personnel in the county.
The thermal imaging camera will be used by the Rapid Intervention Team for search and rescue of other firefighters in distress. This will supplement an existing camera already owned by the department which is used for search and rescue of civilians. Funding was provided through a combined Community Facilities Loan and an Economic Impact Initiative Grant.