Published: April 27, 2008 11:48 pm      

Fire department receives new defibrillator

England Hill — Don Bolt, the chief of the England Hill Volunteer Fire Department, appreciates the efforts of a local hospital and others for the recent addition of a new defibrillator.

Bolt worked with Boyd County EMS Director Tom Adams, England Hill firefighter Steve Amburgery, King’s Daughters Medical Center and KDMC employee Tracy Crawford on securing the vital piece of equipment.

“I appreciate the legwork they did to get this done for us,” Bolt said. “It’s a lifesaving piece of equipment and we’re thrilled to have a new one.”

Bolt said he talked about buying a defibrillator because the one the department had needed three shocks.

“We had one but they changed the protocol on how to use them,” Bolt said. “You’re only allowed to shock them one time. Ours needed three. The new one is set up to do it once.”

Bolt said many times the defibrillators can be reprogrammed.

“A lot of them can be, but ours couldn’t,” he said. “I appreciate the hospital very much. And I appreciate Tom, Steve and Tracy’s help, too. We couldn’t have gotten this without them.”

Bolt said Crawford will also be giving the firefighters a CPR and first aid training course in a couple of weeks.

The new defibrillator was delivered to the department on Thursday.

“The new ones tell you what to do,” he said. “They’re totally foolproof. They’re putting them in schools, churches and some homes. It can save lives.”

A new defibrillator carries a price tag of $3,000 to $4,000, Bolt said.

“King’s Daughters bent over backwards for us,” he said. “We really appreciate it.”

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.