Lower Salem, OH – When emergencies arise and lives are on the line, every second counts for first responders and their patients. It is approximately 12 miles from Lower Salem, OH to Memorial Heath System, which can take an ambulance over twenty minutes to deliver patients in critical conditions.

For the emergency medical staff of the Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department, keeping patients stable during this long trek has become less of an issue. This past April, the Salem Township VFD was awarded a grant during Marietta Community Foundation’s 2019 Spring Grant Cycle.

The application requested funds for a medical device called a Lifeline ARM. A Lifeline ARM is an automated device that administers CPR to patients in critical need and has become a popular piece of equipment in rural communities.

“We were excited to receive this application,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of the Foundation. “Several third-party medical professionals we spoke to highly recommended this type of device. With that kind of endorsement, the Foundation determined this grant was a high-priority”

As ambulances are en route, emergency medical professionals are in the back, providing life-saving care. As the drivers speedily traverse winding roads, blind spots, and traffic, the medical workers must keep their balance and continue to deliver consistent care.

“It’s hard to maintain proper CPR techniques when you are in the back of an ambulance going around sharp turns,” said Marcella Fleming, EMT and Squad Chief at Salem Township VFD.

Fortunately, this will no longer be an issue for residents of Lower Salem. As the device delivers consistent CPR techniques, it frees up the medical staff to give other life-saving treatments such as IV’s and intubation.

Assembly for this device takes less than a minute. Medical professionals line the device up and from that point, CPR is administered with the press of a button.

“This CPR device will provide a better outcome to the patients in our coverage area,” said Fleming. “We never like getting a call for a Code [when a patient suffers cardiopulmonary arrest], but when the call arises this device will provide a better chance of saving the patient.”

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about their efforts, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.