Trinity EMS representatives donated two Automated External Defibrillators to the Groveland Fire Department Tuesday morning. Pictured, from left to right, are Firefighters Brian Belfiore and Taylor Balletto; Christopher Dick, Trinity EMS director of business development; Fire Chief Robert Lay;Trinity EMS President John Chemaly; and Trinity EMTs Tim Abbott and Meghan Phair. (Groveland Fire Department/Courtesy Photograph.)
The Groveland Fire Department received a donation Tuesday of two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to “upgrade and improve their first responder abilities in the community.”
The donation, made by Trinity Emergency Medical Service (EMS), places defibrillators on the primary engines and rescue squads at both Groveland fire stations, according to Groveland Fire Chief Robert B. Lay.
“The AEDs are vital to ensure proper response during sudden cardiac arrest,” Lay said. “We are now able to better serve our residents and ensure we are prepared to keep our town safe in an emergency situation,” he said.
Trinity EMS President John Chemaly and Trinity Director of Business Development Christopher Dick presented the two AEDs to Groveland Fire officials. Each device retails for approximately $3,200.
“We are pleased to assist the Groveland Fire Department with expanding their emergency response efforts with these lifesaving devices,” Dick said. “We look forward to continuing to build and strengthen our relationship in town in the future.”
Groveland Fire is now working to achieve the HEARTSafe Community accreditation, which would prepare the town “to efficiently and effectively respond to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest,” according to Lay. “The fire department is looking to work with the officials to get more AEDs in public spaces. Devices have already been placed at A.W. Chesterton Company, Cedardale Conference Center, Elmer S. Bagnall School, Groveland Congregational Church, Langley-Adams Library and Nichols Village.”
Trinity has worked with Groveland for 11 years to provide basic and advanced life support services to the town.