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Commission approves $93,100 to help Capon Springs volunteers replace outdated cardiac monitors
Summary
The commission allocated $93,100 to support Capon Springs Volunteer Fire & Rescue in acquiring refurbished cardiac monitors (LifePak units) for its ALS ambulances and directed the county grant writer to pursue joint grant applications with local EMS providers.
The Hampshire County Commission approved a $93,100 allocation Jan. 28 to assist Capon Springs Volunteer Fire & Rescue in replacing obsolete cardiac monitor/defibrillator units used on the department’s ALS ambulances.
John Selden, president and lieutenant of Capon Springs Volunteer Fire & Rescue, told commissioners the department’s LifePak 15 monitors were manufactured in 2009–2010 and that manufacturer Stryker has stopped servicing certain older units because of internal components containing lead solder. Selden said new LifePak 15 version 4 units cost about $43,350 to $48,835 for newer models, while a recertified LifePak 15 version 4 unit is quoted at $17,000.
Selden reported the volunteer department and local nonprofit Hampshire County Helping Hands had raised funds for the purchase; Helping Hands pledged roughly $27,100 toward one unit. Selden asked whether the county could help with funding. The commission approved an allocation of $93,100 to support purchase of refurbished equipment; commissioners said they expected the donation and department fundraising to be combined with the county contribution to cover costs.
Commissioners also approved a separate, related motion directing the county grant writer to contact Capon Springs and other EMS providers, including HCSA, and to pursue group grant applications for equipment purchases. The commission’s motion notes that a coordinated grant application with multiple county EMS entities could improve competitiveness for funding.
Commissioners discussed limitations on using funds from prior county distributions to volunteer companies—that money had been distributed for fire services—and agreed they would avoid reallocating funds specifically restricted to fire equipment where possible. Commissioners urged coordination between county staff, the volunteer department and the county grant writer to sequence funding sources and preserve restricted fire-specific allocations.
The board’s vote to allocate funds and to pursue joint grant applications was adopted by voice vote; commissioners present responded “aye.”
