ALCONA COUNTY, MI – Alcona County Emergency Manager Scott Rice, in partnership with Alcona Community Schools, has successfully secured a grant worth just over $27,000 from the Homeland Security Grant program to improve emergency medical readiness across the school district.
The funding will replace the district’s aging Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and expand their availability, adding nine additional AED units to bring the total to 12 units located throughout Alcona Schools’ facilities. These devices can be critical in responding to sudden cardiac emergencies, providing life-saving intervention before emergency medical services arrive.
In addition to the AED expansion, the grant funded the purchase of 120 emergency tourniquets, ensuring that each location and classroom in the district is equipped to respond quickly to severe bleeding incidents. The tourniquets will be strategically placed and accessible in all classrooms, offices, and common spaces throughout the district.
“This grant represents a significant investment in student and staff safety,” said Rice. “By placing AEDs and tourniquets in accessible locations, we’re ensuring our schools are better prepared to respond to emergencies.”
Alcona Schools Superintendent Dan O’Connor emphasized the importance of readiness. “Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime,” O’Connor said. “These tools, combined with our ongoing safety training, give us a greater ability to protect the lives of our students, staff, and visitors.”
The collaboration between Alcona County Emergency Management and Alcona Community Schools reflects a shared commitment to proactive safety measures and community well-being. The new equipment will be installed and ready for use before the upcoming school year.