GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Clay County received $38 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to strengthen the County’s readiness to address the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. County Commissioners have used the funds to provide aid to nonprofits, businesses, and families; to enhance public safety at government buildings; and to address medical and public health needs in the community.

Commissioners designated $2.9 million in funding to protect the health and safety of first responders and patients by providing upgrades for the Clay County Fire Rescue Department. With CARES Act funding, the county purchased personal protective equipment for first responders, and decontamination and sanitizing systems for fire stations and rescue units.

Several projects were also completed to enhance emergency medical response and emergency medical transportation, including the purchase of three new four-wheel-drive Advanced Life Support rescue units, which have been fully equipped with the latest life-saving technology. These new units will be deployed to existing stations in rural areas of the county where four-wheel drive capabilities will improve access for paramedics. Clay County has 11 fully equipped, front-line ALS rescue units and six spare rescue units that can be swapped out when a primary unit is in maintenance. The new technology will be installed on all primary rescue units, spare units, and supervisory vehicles.

The new four-wheel-drive rescue units will be housed at Station 11 in Keystone Heights and Station 23 in McRae.

Clay County Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Mike Cella said, “Public safety is the number one priority for Commissioners, and we took full advantage of the CARES Act funding we received to purchase cutting-edge technology and equipment to protect both our first responders and the community.”

The prehospital technology purchased through the CARES Act includes:

• Life Pack Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillators- these devices are so sensitive they can detect even the faintest heart movements. They measure vital signs including blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, respiratory rates, and can take and transmit electrocardiograms (EKG) to the ER while in route to the hospital. These devices have been on all rescue units and are now also in service on spare units and for training.

• Stryker Stair Chairs- utilize innovative Stair-TREAD system technology allowing paramedics to transport patients downstairs safely and without the lifting that can cause back injuries.

• Stryker Power Loads- mount to the floor of the rescue unit and work with the hydraulic stretcher to load patients in and out of the unit, supporting the weight until the wheels are on the ground.

• Sapphire Infusion IV Pump Kits- the newest technology for prehospital medicine. They reduce time spent starting an infusion and administer IV medications or fluids in a precise dose. They also monitor the amount of medication received. These are particularly useful during extended transport times and can transmit information on the patient to the hospital.

• ReVel Ventilators- are replacing old technology and are easy to use. These precise handheld devices help protect sensitive lungs by allowing paramedics to provide a precise oxygen concentration, consistent respirations, and monitor airflow, volume, and pressure during transport. The device will sound an alarm if a problem is detected.

• Stryker Lucas 3 Chest Compression Systems- will improve the outcome of cardiac arrest patients by delivering high-performance, consistent, and accurate chest compressions at the proper rate, depth, and recoil. These devices will also free up providers to be able to perform other life-saving actions during resuscitation efforts.

• Butterfly Portable Ultrasound Devices- provide a 3D picture of the heart or other organs. These devices can quickly diagnose lung complications including COVID-related symptoms and perform a quick trauma assessment of the chest and abdomen. They also visualize broken bones, foreign objects, and help with the placement of an IV or endotracheal tube. Diagnostic information can be transmitted to the trauma center while en route.

Orange Park Medical Center staff training CCFR paramedics to use the Butterfly portable ultrasound devices.

The CARES Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on Friday, March 27, 2020. This bill provided over $2 trillion in economic relief for American businesses and families, and response assistance funding to help our nation combat the coronavirus.