Submitted by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is proud to announce the purchase of nine new automated external defibrillators for the department’s newest EMTs. The equipment was funded by a $25,000 grant from the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s GiveOrcas spring campaign.

In May, OIFR received the grant under the campaign tagline “Help fund the equipment and tools for our island’s newest EMTs!” The funds have now been put to immediate use, providing critical emergency response equipment to the island’s emergency medical services team.

AEDs are portable devices that analyze heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest. Time is critical in cardiac emergencies. Every minute without defibrillation reduces survival chances by 7-10%. AEDs are essential tools that allow first responders to provide immediate, potentially life-saving treatment before patients reach the hospital.

“This equipment represents the power of community,” said Fire Chief Chad Kimple. “It takes an island to support emergency services, and our community showed up.”

OIFR extends deep gratitude to the Community Foundation for administering the GiveOrcas campaign and to every donor who contributed. Community members can also make a difference by learning CPR and first aid. OIFR offers training courses throughout the year. Visit www.orcasfire.org/cpr.