Thanks to generous community donations and support, the American Legion Ambulance Station 64 (Station 64) recently purchased two automated CPR devices. Just days after placing the devices in service they were used to stabilize and save the life of a person in cardiac arrest.

“These devices are essential, but also very expensive — about $15,000 each,” said Station 64 Board of Directors Chairman Buddy Lloyd. “We simply could not have acquired them without the contributions from our community. We want to thank every single person and business that has donated and supported this cause. Their generosity is helping to save lives.”

Over the past year, the Board of Directors and staff of Station 64 have undertaken a strategic planning process to improve services and patient care, including updating equipment and training. A series of fundraising events have been held to help raise $60,000 in gap funds needed to purchase the automated CPR devices. These devices can save the lives of sudden cardiac arrest patients and avoid neurological damage by supplying a consistent circulation of blood through the body and brain. Automated CPR devices are more efficient than manual compressions because they can be set for the optimum depth, run tirelessly even when the ambulance is in motion, and they allow EMTs and paramedics to provide other necessary medical services. 

“This is a project to which we are very committed and our ultimate goal is to have four automated CPR devices in service,” said Ambulance Service Director Bradley Gosch. “They have already proven how invaluable they are when it comes to helping save lives. We are appreciative of every single donation received which moves us that much closer to our goal.”

For more information about Station 64 or to make a donation, please visit www.Ambulance64.com.

About American Legion Ambulance Station 64  
The mission of American Legion Ambulance Station 64 is to provide comprehensive, skillful, cost effective pre-hospital emergency and non-emergency health care to the Smyrna and Clayton communities and surrounding areas, while continuing to evolve with ever-changing health care needs. Founded in 1924 by members of David C. Harrison, American Legion Post #14, it was the first American Legion ambulance service in the world. Station 64 has been in continuous operation since its founding and now serves an area from the Delaware Bay to the Maryland border, and from Collin’s Beach to Garrison’s Lake. Staffed by volunteers and career staff, the service is responsible for answering more than 25,000 calls for assistance during its first seventy-five years of operation. In 2017, Station 64 answered nearly 4,000 calls.