Reading Fire Department Awarded $2,500 State Grant

Reading MA

29 April, 2022

3:10 PM

Description

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), State Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn) and State Senator Jason M. Lewis (D-Winchester) joined with the Baker-Polito Administration to announce that the Reading Fire Department has been awarded a $2,500 state grant for the purchase of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). A total of $527,000 in state and federal funding is being distributed by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) to help communities equip their public safety and first responder vehicles with AEDs. The majority of this funding – $500,000 – was approved by the House and Senate as part of the FY22 state budget, while the remaining $27,000 is being allocated using federal funding from the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. According to the American Heart Association, more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur annually in the U.S., and nearly 90% of them are fatal. However, an individual's odds of survival can increase if they are administered treatment with an AED, which is programmed to analyze an individual's heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock if needed to help restore a proper rhythm. "Time is of the essence when someone is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, and AEDs have been proven to save lives in these situations," said Representative Jones. "Providing the Reading Fire Department with access to these devices will significantly enhance the ability of our local public safety personnel to effectively respond to medical emergencies and help to ensure a successful outcome." "Ensuring we properly fund our public safety officials, so they have the means to protect and keep our citizens safe is of the upmost importance," said Representative Haggerty. "This $2,500 in grant money will allow the Reading Fire Department to purchase and update AED lifesaving equipment - and all Reading residents benefit from a well-equipped department." "These devices are crucial to providing treatment and saving lives of individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. It is important our public safety officials have the equipment they need when these emergencies occur," said Senator Lewis. "I am glad that Reading is receiving these funds to help ensure they can continue to provide life-saving care to its residents." Reading is one of 246 applicants across the state to receive AED funding.