LCRA awards $12,960 grant to Bastrop Fire Department

New CPR device will aid first responders during lifesaving efforts

Nov. 2, 2021

BASTROP, Texas – The Bastrop Fire Department will be able to purchase a new mechanical CPR device, thanks to a $12,960 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $3,240 in matching funds from the City of Bastrop, will pay for the device that will perform chest compressions on its own, allowing first responders to focus on other aspects of emergency cardiac care, such as managing the patient’s airway and preparing medications. The device also will help reduce the physical exhaustion first responders often feel when performing CPR for lengthy periods of time.

“During emergencies when CPR is needed, we’ve been performing manual compressions,” Fire Chief Andres Rosales said. “The new CPR device will help us provide critical care and increase our medical capabilities by freeing up responders for other emergency assistance.”

Rosales said the physical demands associated with performing manual CPR properly can result in rescuer fatigue and inconsistent compressions. With the help of the new device, compressions will be performed at a consistent level the responders know is sufficient.

Bastrop Fire Department responds to areas within the City of Bastrop, Tahitian Village and other areas with automatic aid agreements. The department also provides assistance to areas along portions of the Colorado River and Lake Bastrop through mutual aid agreements.

“This grant is not only for our Fire Department,” Rosales said. “It’s for all the communities we serve and the people who live in them.”

The community grant is one of 32 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves. The City of Bastrop is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.

About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations. For more information, visit lcra.org.

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Clara Tuma
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