Northern Essex Community College and the West Newbury Fire Department were among those last week awarded grants for automatic external defibrillators for emergency vehicles.
Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill was awarded $1,850, while West Newbury Fire received $1,747 from the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. An AED is a medical device used to support people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The device analyzes a patient’s heart rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
“Immediate access to AEDs is vital to someone facing a medical crisis. By expanding availability statewide, we’re equipping first responders with the necessary tools to provide lifesaving emergency care for patients,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This essential equipment will enhance the medical response for cardiac patients across Massachusetts and improve outcomes during an emergency event.”
The grant program was open to all Massachusetts municipalities—with priority given to those with populations of 20,000 or less—as well as public colleges, universities and nonprofits with emergency response vehicles. They were invited to apply for up to $2,500 to purchase one AED for an emergency response vehicle that is either not currently equipped with an AED or requires a replacement device. A total of $165,085 will be distributed to 58 communities, 13 public colleges and universities and nine nonprofits statewide.
Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy said, “We cannot predict when someone will need help, but our first responders must have the essential tools at the ready when it does happen.”