Dublin, OH– Washington Township Fire Department received a grant in the amount of $160,115 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Fund to purchase four LUCAS™ chest compression systems (and accompanying four-year warranty) and make upgrades to the exhaust evacuation systems at two of the department’s four fire stations, Station 92 and 93. Including the fire department’s required 10% grant match, the cost for the two projects is expected to be $176,126.
“This is the first time we have been awarded a FEMA grant so we feel very fortunate. The funding is going toward projects that will improve patient care and ensure employee safety,” said Fire Chief Alec O’Connell.
The LUCAS™ devices will be used to deliver chest compressions to patients suffering from cardiac arrest. Because the device is battery operated and automated, the LUCAS™ system doesn’t fatigue like humans do, delivering uninterrupted compressions at a consistent rate and depth for as long as is needed. Studies have shown that consistent, uninterrupted compressions helps maintain good circulation, which helps to improve a patient’s chances for a successful outcome.
Another advantage of the LUCAS™ device over manual compressions is its portability. The device can move with the patient, from the emergency location to the emergency room. And because the LUCAS™ replaces manual compressions, it frees paramedics to perform other tasks critical to patient care and transport. The devices are expected to go into service on each of the department’s four medics by the end of the year. The cost of the devices with a four-year warranty is $78,128.
The remaining portion of the grant ($97,998) will be used to upgrade exhaust evacuation systems at stations 92 (4497 Hard Road) and 93 (5825 Brand Road). Replacing a compressed air system with one that uses magnets to control the release of hoses from departing trucks is expected to reduce maintenance costs, improve reliability, and improve the air quality in the bay.
Per the FEMA grant requirements, all grant funds must be spent within one year. “The research had to be done and price quotes obtained prior to applying for the grant so we anticipate both projects will be completed within the next six months,” said O’Connell.
###
The Washington Township Fire Department provides fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency medical services, and education and safety programs for Washington Township, which encompasses portions of Franklin County including the City of Dublin and portions of Delaware and Union Counties.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer
Phone: (614) 652-3920
Fax: (614) 766-2507
ldybiec@wtwp.com
