The Orcas Fire Department board just received a heart-warming letter from the federal government awarding the district a $75,000 grant to purchase new cardiac monitor/defibrillator units, critical tools that help first responders to treat heart attack victims.

“We have an extraordinary cardiac survival rate,” said commissioner Barbara Bedell, comparing Orcas Island’s 77 percent to Seattle’s rate of 46 percent.

That success rate is partly due to the department’s three current monitor/defibrillators, which chief Harris called “the most valuable piece of equipment we have.” But the current LifePaks, made by MedTronics, are 10 to 15 years old. Although the department spent roughly $2,000 refurbishing them two years ago, the clock is ticking on their serviceability.

“After a certain amount of time the company doesn’t support the machine anymore because it’s just too old,” Harris said.

Today’s LifePak and comparable machines, costing around $25,000 each, are extremely sophisticated, capable of determining blood oxygen levels and measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in a patient’s exhalations.

The board will be shopping for new machines under Dr. Sullivan’s guidance.

Harris said the department’s three current machines are still worth around $5,000 each. Five percent of the $75,000 grant will be awarded to a former department member who wrote the grant proposal, and the department must put up $7,500 in matching funds toward the purchase of the new machines.