State and local officials announced Wednesday a funding boost for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in Monroe County.

This comes during EMS Week, which runs from May 18-24.

County Executive Adam Bello says $894,957 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding will head to Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance, Irondequoit Ambulance, Honeoye Falls-Mendon Volunteer Ambulance and Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service to upgrade their emergency response infrastructure.

“During EMS Week, we celebrate the brave men and women who answer the call in our community’s most urgent moments," Bello said in a statement. "This investment is a tangible way to show our gratitude – by ensuring our EMS providers have modern equipment that supports their mission and protect public health. Thank you to Congressman Joe Morelle and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for securing this transformation funding and our County Legislature for their steadfast support.”

County officials say the projects receiving funding include: 

• Honeoye Falls-Mendon Volunteer Ambulance – $83,891 to upgrade computer and pager systems, new CPR training kits for staff and the purchase of two Stryker Powerload Systems, with the goal of enhancing safety for patients with limited mobility

• Irondequoit Ambulance – $236,000 to purchase a new ambulance and installing advanced air and surface disinfection systems in the existing fleet, aiming to reduce disease transmission and improve patient and provider safety

• Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance – $347,065 for a new, fully equipped ambulance featuring a LifePak monitor capable of tracking multiple vital signs including SpO2, CO2, ECG, blood pressure, and temperature, as well as a hydraulic power gurney to assist with patient lifting and transport

• Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service – $228,000 to purchase a new ambulance to expand emergency response capabilities in the region