The Local Source for News and Information Since 1980
PRESTON — The Preston Volunteer Fire Company proposed erecting a SaveStation, which houses an accessible Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for use in medical emergencies, at the James T. Wright Memorial Park during the November 24 Town Commissioner’s workshop.
PVFC Chief Robbie Phillips presented the idea on behalf of the Fire Company and the local committee on Basic Life Support. BLS and Caroline County Emergency Services have placed several SaveStations at locations around the county – the most recent being North Caroline and Colonel Richardson high schools. Phillips explained that James T. Wright Memorial Park would be a perfect space for a SaveStation, as there are often children and adults participating in physical activity or attending community events there.
Phillips said that, like the other SaveStations that have already been installed, the unit would be continuously monitored by the county. “These are maintained by the county… the WiFi connection monitors the battery status, the temperature, tracks the dates of the pads to make sure everything is in date with those. The only cost that would be from the Town would be the installation, as far as electric, and then it has to be connected to the internet.” As for the sustainability of the SaveStation, Phillips said Caroline County EMS covers the upkeep, with the Town paying a $180 per year monitoring fee after the first two years.
An exact timeline for when the Save Station would be installed is unknown. Phillips said it could potentially be completed before the end of the year if the Commissioners vote to move forward on the effort during their next meeting.
CAPTIONS:
PFVC Chief Robbie Phillips proposing a new AED SaveStation at Preston’s James T. Wright Memorial Park on Backlanding Road.
