Grant helps Blankenship buy new AEDs

No one expects to have a hear attack, but if you live near Blankenship, they recently received some new gear that could save your life.

The fire company there now has two new Zoll AED Plus Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). The new units replace two AED’s that were acquired 11 and 12 years ago. Features of the units include chest pads that are all one device with a visual marker and sensor to help measure effectiveness of responder CPR. The new units utilize readily acquired non-proprietary 10 year life batteries, five year life pads and a seven year warranty, said firefighter and retired chief Ed Burlingame.

The cost of both units was $3,200. A grant request was submitted to the Flathead Electric “Round Up for Safety” program. This program utilizes “Rounded Up” funding when cooperative members pay their electric bill. Those funds are then made available through a board-reviewed program for community safety projects. After submittal of the application, project presentation and Round Up for Safety Board review, an award was granted in the amount of $2,000 to assist with the project. The fire district was able to trade in the older units for $300 for a final district cost of $900.

Training was provided over two evening sessions on the new equipment and they were placed in-service on the primary medical response wildfire engine and structure engine.

“The Board of Trustees and firefighters would like to extend our thank you to the Round Up for Safety Board for their financial assistance which has enabled us to continue quality care to our community,” Burlingame said.