Firetrucks to carry new defibrillators

Wallingford- The Firefighter's union's generosity will help save residents from heart attacks.

   The union helped the town buy a new type of defibrillator that will be carried on firetrucks.     The three new defibrillators will go on town firetrucks because they are simpler to use and do not require paramedic operators, said David Poach, president of Local 1326 of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

   The union paid about $2,600 for the unit, using money donated by residents during union fund-raisers, Poach said.

   Poach said he was glad to work with fire officials to buy the units because it shows that the union cares about the people it serves and uses the money it donates wisely.

"The union felt it was a great opportunity to get into the program and help residents," Poach said.               

The town bought two, the union one.

   The Fire Department's ambulance service has carried defibrillator units for years. Having the simplified units on firetrucks will help ensure a faster response to 911 heart attack calls. The faster response should, in turn, save more lives, union Vice President Jim DeBridgita said.

   Defibrillators are life saving devices that use electrical currents to stop the heart from contracting irregularly and help re-establish the proper rhythm of the heart.

   They are part of the ideal chain of life-saving events, which includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation, quick 911 calls and a prompt response from emergency service workers.