The Somerville Fire Department received an automated external defibrillator (AED) donated by Central Maine Power.
Sara Burns, President of CMP, visited the Somerville Fire Station on June 13 to deliver the AED. CMP donated four defibrillators to rural fire departments chosen randomly from throughout their territory.
“We know that on a daily basis you guys are a big help to us,” Burns told the department. “We value that relationship and know that there’s a lot of need.”
During storms and other emergencies, fire crews frequently post roadblocks and make efforts to keep people away from downed power lines. In the past, Somerville has also offered their station to CMP crews to use as a base of operations.
“This is very much appreciated,” said Somerville Fire Chief Mike Dostie. “It’s going to benefit all five towns” Somerville participates in mutual aid with: Washington, Windsor, Jefferson and Whitefield. Jefferson currently has two AEDs, said Jefferson Fire Chief Walter Morris.
Delta Ambulance will host training on the AED soon for all five towns, Dostie said.
An AED is a portable device that automatically diagnoses acute heart problems and can treat them by administering electric shocks. AEDs range in price from about $1300 to $2000, Morris said.
Ken Desmond, Deputy Director of Operations and Training for the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency, estimates that half of the emergency services departments in Lincoln County have an AED.
“It’s an active goal of ours to have one in every department,” Desmond said.
