The Sewickley Valley Community Fund recently provided a grant to the Leetsdale Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of new automated external defibrillators.
The new Zoll AEDs will replace units that are outdated and potentially unreliable, and are also identical to the units currently in use by the Quaker Valley Ambulance Authority. This is important because in a case of emergency, the fire department — with its Quick Response Medical Service — might be the first responder. They can begin the use of the AED and when ambulance authority paramedics arrive, the AEDs can be switched without having to remove and reset the defibrillator pads.
In addition, the SVCF grant will allow the fire department to purchase EpiPens for the use of the QRS. EpiPens are used in cases of severe allergic reactions which can be life threatening in some cases.
“The service provided by the Leetsdale firefighters is invaluable. They provide coverage for two industrial parks, Quaker Valley High School, The Watson Institute, not to mention all residents of Leetsdale and Leet Township. So, it’s important they are equipped with these lifesaving tools ” said Mark Gensheimer, SVCF board president.
“Support like this aids the fire department in fulfilling its mission” said Leetsdale Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ernest Logan. “And it’s even more important now, with the recent addition of our medical response service.”
SVCF was formed in 1993 and is dedicated to providing financial support that benefits the community and promotes collaboration between the 11 boroughs that comprise the Quaker Valley School District. SVCF raises money through an annual appeal to area residents that is currently underway. Since 2011, SVCF has provided grants totaling more than $300,000 to organizations serving the valley communities.
For more information about SVCF and its grant funding process, visit sewickleyvcf.org. Information about the Leetsdale Volunteer Fire Department is on line at leetsdalefire.org.
