(Photo provided, City of Crown Point)
In Crown Point, the fire department recently unveiled $1.1 million in new EMS equipment. “This investment ensures our firefighter-paramedics stay on the cutting edge with the best equipment available on the market,” said Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner, Jr. The equipment includes eight LIFEPAK 35 monitors/defibrillators, five powered cots complete with power loaders, five powered stair chairs, and four LUCAS 3 CPR devices. A news release also said the new equipment complements the eight LIFEPAK Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) the department received in June 2024 following Bears and Badges, an annual fundraiser benefiting local first responders.
The LIFEPAK 35 lets first responders send EKGs and vitals to the hospital in real time, along with providing CPR insight, the department said. The LUCAS CPR machine performs chest compressions allowing paramedics to perform advanced care immediately. “Every second counts when we’re responding to a call,” said EMS Division Chief Erik Schmitt. “Being able to send information to the hospital in real time ensures the best outcome for our patients and their loved ones.”
While the main goal of upgrading the equipment is to continue to provide the best care to Crown Point, Baumgardner said preventing paramedics from being injured on the scene is an added benefit. The powered cots and stair chairs both lift patients, reducing the risk of paramedic injury, while the stair chairs also allow the department to assist patients where a full-sized cot will not fit. The department unveiled the new equipment last week after inking a $1.1 million partnership with medical technology company Stryker, the city said. All 52 Crown Point firefighters are also certified paramedics, Baumgardner said, adding the department wrapped up training with the new equipment last week and expects the devices to be fully implemented in February. A video showing the equipment is at the department’s Facebook page.
