The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has brought needed support to Kitsap County for a wide range of pandemic response efforts.  While local vaccination clinics and community-based testing sites are among the most visible CARES-funded initiatives, a project involving public emergency medical services (EMS) providers is making a difference behind the scenes for responders and the public alike. 

New portable ventilators, funded through KCDEM with CARES Act dollars, will better protect the county’s first responders from COVID-19 and provide a higher level of care to critically-ill patients.

20 state-of-the-art portable ventilators that support respiration in the most seriously-ill patient were recently purchased on behalf of EMS services. KCDEM Director Elizabeth Klute said, “The pandemic has given us the opportunity to work closely with our first responder partners and, through the CARES Act funding, help provide for the safety of both the public and our critical responders.”

For more, visit the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue site.