Buckfield Rescue reported staffing gains and a grant award during the July 15 Select Board meeting, announcing new personnel, recent national-registry successes and the arrival of a mechanical CPR device funded by the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.

Why it matters: The new hires increase local EMS capacity; the grant-funded Lucas device provides automatic, consistent chest compressions and was placed in service on one of the town's ambulances.

In a report read to the board, staff said Buckfield Rescue added four members to the roster: Zach Martin (returning member and paramedic), Gunnar Monocle (advanced EMT), Cassidy Lissard (new EMT, pending national registry), and Naomi Hartman (EMT). The report also listed three members who recently passed the national registry exam and became credentialed: Sam Billings (AMT), Rachel Hodgkins (AMT), and Bridal Lowe (AMT).

The department announced a $25,000 grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation that funded a Lucas device, an automated chest-compression system used during cardiac arrests. Rescue staff said the department now has two Lucas devices, one on each ambulance, and reported a positive clinical outcome in the short time since adding the device to service.

Select Board members thanked rescue staff and encouraged public recognition of the volunteers and grant award. The board heard no requests for funding tied to the device; the Lucas purchase was covered by the private grant.

Ending: The board applauded staffing additions and the grant-supported equipment purchase and asked rescue leadership to notify the public about volunteer opportunities and recent accomplishments.