CAIRO — Grady County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) soon will get new equipment to use while out in the field. 

The Grady County Board of Commissioners approved spending $91,661.25 for three new heart monitors from ZOLL Medical Corporation. The commission also approved a five-year payment for the monitors. 

Rodney Gordon, EMS director, said the current monitors have been in operation since 2005. Gordon also noted finding parts for the monitors has become difficult. 

The purchased monitors, Gordon pointed out, would allow EMS personnel to diagnose heart attacks in the field, along with communicating data to a hospital also while in the field. 

“The monitors are for advanced life support,” Gordon said. “So, that’s why the monitors are so important.” 

Commissioners also noted the purchase was not a budgeted expense for the 2018 fiscal year. 

The quote from ZOLL Medical Corporation was one of two the board discussed. Stryker Equipment submitted a quote for $101,964.20, also with yearly payment plans. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.