Cherry Hill EMTs Get New Training Tools from Federal Grant

Cherry Hill’s fire department will get new training simulators for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) as part of a six-figure federal grant announced by Rep. Rob Andrews (D-1st District).

With the $137,765 grant, the department is getting four Laerdal SimMan patient simulators, computerized training aids that resemble full-size adults, which have the ability to simulate breathing, talking and heart function.

The simulators allow EMTs to practice lifesaving techniques, and can mimic the complicated scenarios and traumatic injuries first responders encounter in the field, fire department officials said.

“This type of equipment goes a long way in training our EMTs for better services,” said Cherry Hill EMS Chief Randy McCargar. “We greatly appreciate Congressman Andrews' support in receiving this federal grant.”

The money came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which awards more than $337 million annually to fire departments and EMS organizations nationwide in an effort to improve public safety and responsiveness in times of emergency.

“This grant is all about making sure our first responders get the necessary training to quickly assess the injuries of accident victims and perform their duties to save lives under the most stressful of conditions,” said Congressman Andrews.  “Safety should always be a priority, which is why I’m glad we were able to get this done without adding to the burden of Cherry Hill’s taxpayers.”