TWIN LAKES — A federal grant will allow the Twin Lakes Fire Department to purchase new medical devices used to read levels of carbon monoxide in the blood.

The department was awarded a 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $7,125 for this purpose. The grant program is administered cooperatively by the National Preparedness Directorate and the U.S. Fire Administration, both of which are components of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Darrell Stoen, EMS Division Chief for the local department, said the money will cover the cost of two oximeters that have the capability of non-invasively testing for carbon monoxide poisoning.

His son, Aaron Stoen, wrote the grant application.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless toxic gas that is difficult to detect. Without these devices, the only way to diagnose CO poisoning was a blood test. With the device, emergency first responders will be able to diagnose CO poisoning on-the-scene and initiate prompt, life-saving treatment.

Stoen said this will not only help on emergency medical calls, but also will be used by the fire department to monitor the health of firefighters at the scene of structure fires.

“We don’t want to lose one of our own because we couldn’t recognize they had high levels of CO,” Stoen said.

Wisconsin communities submitted 656 applications requesting more than $90 million through this grant program. The grant money can be used for training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment and modifications to fire stations and facilities.