Anthony Milanowski, interim chief of the Gerald Area Ambulance District, reports the district has been given a $60,000 FEMA grant. 

The money was used to order 25 sets of turn-out gear. This includes protective clothing-—a coat, pants, suspenders and heavy duty gloves. This gear will help all employees be protected from the hazard of blood-borne pathogens. 

Any contact with infected blood or body fluids carries the risk of potential infection, Milanowski notes. 

The purchase of the new gear will reduce the likelihood of these exposures. 

Chief Diane Meyer did most of the work in applying for the grant. However, since a debilitating car accident in June, she has been on medical leave. Milanowski has been serving as chief since that time. 

There are 23 emergency medical technicians and paramedics employed by the district. A full roster would be 24 or 25 EMS personnel. This gear will enable all of them to be protected. 

The district covers more than 212 square miles, stretching along U. S. 50 from Drake School to Vienna Woods roads. It goes north to Cedar Fork Road and south to past the Spring Bluff school. The district responded to nearly 1,400 calls last year and so far in 2022 there have been 1,192 calls.