In April of this year, the Summers County Emergency Medical Service (SCEMS) was awarded $90,000 in ARP funding from the Summers County Commission. With that funding and approximately $12,000 of their own funding, SCEMS purchased six monitor/defibrillator devices to be part of the equipment for each of their six trucks. These devices provide an advanced diagnosis of heart-related conditions. The units have two batteries and can print waveform capture on-scene.
Since the arrival of those units, SCEMS has been able to save the lives of four Summers County individuals in massive heart attack situations. Paramedic Nick Crewey said they have proven to be life-saving devices and are “worth every penny.” Commissioner Ted Kula explained, “We are fortunate to have Summers County EMS working to serve our residents. Other counties struggle with ambulance service, and this funding helps ensure SCEMS can provide top-notch care.”
The previous defibrillators had reached end-of-life status, which means parts are no longer available. The new ones are the latest version of the devices, have many more capabilities, and are more rugged. The new devices should last 10 to 15 years.
