The Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov on July 6, 2016 released a grant notice www.grants.gov for the “Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project” (REMCDP) with up to $2,000,000 to be awarded. REMCDP will provide funding to a public or state controlled institution of higher education which also must house an established emergency communications center to take part in the demonstration project.
The project will examine communication barriers and identify solutions to enhance existing emergency communications infrastructure in rural areas. This will help with the planning and coordination of emergency response across multiple jurisdictions in rural areas.
The Department of Homeland Security’s National Emergency Communications Plan www.dhs.gov/pubication/2014-national-emergency-communications-plan has information to help address REMCDP objectives to:
- Develop training and exercises to ensure that rural emergency responders and personnel can use emergency medical communications systems and equipment effectively
- Collaborate with non-medical professionals and emergency communications stakeholders that use emergency medical communications
- Ensure that emergency responders and medical practitioners can communicate in rural communities that are underserved when authorized
- Incorporate concepts on how to include rural medical care and emergency communications as a component of the National Emergency Communications Plan
- Identify, document, and share the lessons learned and best practices of the demonstration project
Go to www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppid=285800 to view the full announcement. Applications are due August 5, 2016. For questions contact Elizabeth Mitchell at 703-235-4015 or email OECgrants@hq.dhs.gov.
Go to www.federalgrants.com/Rural-Emergency-Medical-Communications-Demonstration-Project-59306.html for more details on the Rural Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project (REMCDP).