LFA Donates AED to Lewiston; Wants to Provide Community Grants for Four More!‏

Lewiston, Maine - The Lewiston Firefighters Association (LFA) is proud to announce that they have donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) package to the Lewiston City Council.   In an effort to increase the survivability of sudden heart related conditions through quick emergency medical assistance, LFA wanted its donation to be reflective of the core mission of what firefighters do—serve residents in a life-saving manner.   The AED is now located on the second floor of Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street—a high-traffic area.  Lewiston municipal employee Joline Boulay will provide AED training to those municipal employees who are interested.  Boulay is CPR, First AID, and AED Certified.



In response to the donation, Lewiston Mayor Robert E. Macdonald stated, “We are very grateful to the Lewiston Firefighters Association for providing such a valuable piece of equipment in light of a possible medical emergency.  Should one occur, what a tremendous resource for our residents!”

However, the generosity of LFA does not stop there!  In recognition of a challenging economy, the LFA also wants to assist in providing four (4) more AEDs throughout the community!

LFA President Rick Cailler notes, “In an effort to make best use of our limited funds, we are looking to provide four $700 grants towards the cost of an AED package to willing Lewiston partners.  They would join us in an effort to place these defibrillators within the City of Lewiston—either in their own building/business or join us in gifting to a municipal building.   Each grant would cover more than 50% of the purchase price of an AED package.”  To inquire more about the LFA grant opportunity, individuals may contact the Association via lewff785@roadrunner.com

Cailler continued, “Critically ill and injured patients benefit most from the timely delivery of appropriate medical care. If lives are to be saved or impairment prevented, individuals with serious injuries or acute cardiac problems must receive appropriate medical treatment as quickly as possible. The ‘Golden Hour’ describes the precious time period in which to locate and treat a critically injured trauma patient to minimize death and permanent disability. The American Heart Association, in its response time guidelines for victims of cardiac arrest, notes that the highest hospital discharge rates have been achieved in patients in whom CPR was initiated within four minutes of arrest and advanced cardiac life support administered within eight minutes. “

The Lewiston Firefighters Association’s Community Benefit Fund was developed in the mid-1990s as an avenue for the Association to give back to the community.  Over the years, it has sponsored nearly $50,000 of financial aid to area communities.  Efforts have been wide ranging from sponsorships of sports teams, project graduations, and annual Christmas giving programs in cooperation with Hope Haven Gospel Mission and the Salvation Army.  LFA has also partnered with the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, Androscoggin Hospice, and other entities.