Stoneham Fire Department to Equip All Apparatus with Automatic Chest Compression Devices

STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton is pleased to report that the Stoneham Fire Department will be able to purchase five new automatic chest compression devices thanks to a $129,671 grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

The devices, which perform consistent, accurate chest compressions without experiencing fatigue, as humans do when performing CPR, will now be equipped on all of the Stoneham Fire Department’s fire apparatus. They also provide adequate chest compressions while firefighters are moving patients, especially down flights of stairs, which is difficult if not impossible without the device.

The purchase was made through grant funding, in the amount of $129,671, from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant, and $12,967 from the fire department’s budget — a required 10 percent match of the grant.

Once the devices have been purchased and delivered, Armstrong Ambulance will train all Stoneham Firefighters on how to use the devices.

The successful application for the grant was written by Stoneham Fire Lt. Michael Rourke, the department’s Fire Prevention and Training officer.

“I’d like to thank the Department of Homeland Security for this grant that will expand our life-saving capabilities in a significant way,” said Chief Grafton. “I’d also like to thank Lt. Michael Rourke for writing this grant and enabling the department to make use of these federal funds.”