The Williamsville Fire Department (WFD) is now equipped with some of the latest and most advanced cardiac devices available. Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) and WFD announced the acquisitions thanks to a grant secured by McMahon.

The grant allowed for the purchase of two Stryker LUCAS devices and two Zoll Cardiac Monitors. The LUCAS device can deliver chest compressions consistent with high-quality CPR to patients suffering cardiac arrest. This device will be used in conjunction with the Zoll Cardiac Monitor which helps assess a greater spectrum of patient health situations. The monitor can record a patient’s heart rhythm and other clinical data and allows for immediate transfer of information to a hospital.

"In the event of a cardiac emergency, quickly starting effective chest compressions could mean the difference between life and death,” said Assemblymember McMahon. “I was happy to secure funding for the Williamsville Fire Department for the purchase of two Stryker LUCAS devices and two Zoll Cardiac Monitors. With this equipment, first responders will be able to administer life-saving treatment in the field quickly and effectively, sustaining care and monitoring the patient during transport to a local emergency room. I am always looking for ways to support our firefighters, paramedics, and police in their service to our community, and I am reassured knowing that our local first responders are equipped with these state-of-the-art devices."

“The addition of this equipment allows our current staff of EMTs to provide the best in basic life support care,” said Williamsville Fire Department Chief Mike Vogel. “All that we learn, do, and train for is to serve the residents of Williamsville and our district with the best possible emergency care that we can.”

Jack Oehmler, who oversees the Williamsville Fire Department EMT program said, “In 45 years as EMS captain, and more than 50 years with the department, this ranks as one of the greatest advancements in the Williamsville Fire Department’s preparedness to provide the level of EMS care to our residents that we do.”