LCRA, PEC award $18,315 grant to Blanco Fire and EMS Auxiliary
New automated CPR device will improve patient care during cardiac emergencies
June 13, 2025
BLANCO, Texas – Blanco Fire and EMS Auxiliary soon will purchase a new lifesaving device to enhance emergency medical care during cardiac events in the county’s rural areas, thanks to an $18,315 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $4,580 in matching funds from the auxiliary, will enable the organization to purchase a LUCAS chest compression system. The device performs consistent, high-quality chest compressions, helping first responders deliver uninterrupted care during transports to medical facilities.
“During cardiac arrest, every second counts, and high-quality chest compressions are critical,” said Bill Jorn, president of Blanco Fire and EMS Auxiliary. “Even though our first responders are well trained, manual CPR is physically exhausting and difficult to maintain over long transports. The nearest hospital is at least 35 minutes away, so having the LUCAS chest compression system on board essentially turns our ambulance into a mobile emergency room. We’re able to provide consistent, lifesaving care the entire way.”
Jorn said the new device also will free up medics to perform other critical tasks during transport, something that can be difficult when one responder is fully occupied with CPR.
“This device allows our EMTs to focus on other vital functions, like starting IVs, administering medications or providing wound care, all while the patient continues to receive effective chest compressions,” Jorn said. “With only four ambulances covering all of Blanco County, our goal is to equip each one with a unit. This grant helps us take that next step by adding a second device.”
The community grant is one of 45 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund eligible 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. Pedernales Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.
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.
About PEC
Founded in 1938 by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 425,000 meters across the Texas Hill Country. An industry-recognized leader providing outstanding member service and reliable electricity, PEC conducts its business via a transparent and democratic process and encourages member participation.
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