MFD Expands Medical Capability With Equipment Donated By The Elliot Hospital

Manchester Fire Department was presented with a LifePak cardiac monitor for advanced medical care by the Elliot Hospital at fire headquarters.

The device will be placed into service at Engine 3 which is located at the most southern point of the city and has the longest response times for ambulances.

The device allows firefighters to gather cardiac-related data and have it sent directly to the hospital. It also can act as an AED if a patient requires it.

Manchester Engine 3 is one of the first engines fully staffed with advanced life support personnel on all shifts, this adds Advanced Level Emergency Medical personnel including some firefighters at the Paramedic level.

Chief Ryan Cashin said that when he joined the department Manchester responded to 8,000 medical calls annually. Last year Manchester Fire responded to 20,000 calls with the same or less staffing that was available 20 years ago.

Manchester Fire Fighter Timothy Johnson spoke about the machine and pointed out the multiple tools it gives responders and spoke about the wireless connectivity to the hospitals.

Manchester Alderman June Trisciani thanked the Elliot for the donation of the device which costs about $40,000. Tate Curti, Chief Operating Officer of the Elliot, and Anne-Marie Hafeman, Director of Community Engagement represented the Elliot at the presentation.

Chief Cashin said "Lives matter and when managing emergency medical incidents, every second counts. The city of Manchester in partnership with the Elliot Hospital is making a difference by adding this cardiac monitor to the equipment on Engine 3. Thank you, Elliot Hospital”