Press Release Contact:David Lang, 437-0035
November 18, 2008
PFFNH ANNOUNCES GRANT RECIPIENTS TO PURCHASE LIFE-SAVING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
11 Communities receive funds to buy the RAD-57 devices
Londonderry, NH – The Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire is pleased to announce that 11 communities from all over the state of New Hampshire will have a new weapon in the fight against carbon monoxide poisoning. Thanks to The Public Safety Emergency Service Grant Program, these towns have received funds to purchase the RAD-57 carbon monoxide detectors, which can instantly measure the amount of the deadly substance in a person’s bloodstream. The following departments successfully applied for the life-saving device:
Conway Fire Department Derry Fire Department
Dover Fire and Rescue Franconia Life Squad
Laconia Fire Department Lebanon Fire Department
Londonderry Fire Department Manchester Fire Department
Milton Fire-Rescue Newport Fire-EMS
Portsmouth Fire Department
Facing a sharp increase in the number of carbon monoxide-related calls for help from the public, the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire created a program to help equip first responders with this state-of-the-art new technology. With financial help from FireCo, Globe Manufacturing Company LLC, Delta Dental, Liberty Mutual and Peerless Insurance, PFFNH was able to provide 50% matching grants to several communities interested in buying the new devices. “As we enter the cold weather season, the RAD-57 will be an essential tool to measure carbon monoxide exposure in both victims and in first responders,” explains David Lang, President of PFFNH.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless poison gas produced by the incomplete combustion of organic matter. The lethal gas can come from automobile exhausts, faulty home heating systems, wood burning stoves, and even portable gas stoves and heaters. According to the NH Fire Marshal’s office, New Hampshire fire crews responded to 1,793 reported carbon monoxide incidents in 2007. Two people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Lempster last spring, underscoring the threat to the public.
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The RAD 57 is an easy to use, handheld device that measure carbon monoxide instantly, without invasive techniques. First responders believe the new technology will be a valuable tool in monitoring the safety of emergency crews, while providing instant analysis of victims at the scene. NH Fire Marshal William Degnan says, “I’m very pleased PFFNH has taken a lead role in improving the safety and protection of both communities and first responders. I want to thank the Professional Firefighters of NH for their work to protect against the silent killer, carbon monoxide. This will no doubt save lives.”
Local officials are pleased to have access to this new technology. Laconia Deputy Fire Chief Deborah Pendergast says, “It’ll make a critical difference that we can detect carbon monoxide levels before sending a patient to the hospital. Normally, that is something doctors must measure in a hospital setting, using a painful and time-consuming blood procedure. This carbon monoxide device will give us the same information on-scene in a non-invasive manner. We now have the technology to immediately diagnose a potentially fatal exposure and begin immediate treatment. This will help us save the lives of fire victims and first responders who are constantly exposed to this silent killer.”
The Public Safety Emergency Service Grant Program was announced last July and emergency responders in every city and town were encouraged to apply for the 50% matching funds to help purchase the carbon monoxide detectors. PFFNH believes this is technology that is essential in every community around New Hampshire and President Lang is hopeful that future dollars can be made available to continue to offer funds to purchase the RAD-57. “Every day, first responders risk lives to save the lives of our neighbors who are in harm’s way. Carbon Monoxide is one of the biggest threats our citizens and our rescue crews face and these devices will go a long way toward preventing death or prolonged illness from exposure to the deadly gas. I want to thank all the communities that applied and a special thank you to the businesses that so generously gave to make sure as many of these machines are in New Hampshire as possible,” said Lang.
This entire program is the result of on-going fundraising efforts by PFFNH. Annual events like the oldies concert being held at the UNH Whittemore Center on Sunday afternoon and evening featuring the “Lovin Spoonful”, are an essential component to the overall efforts of the PFFNH. “I want to thank all of our faithful supporters that continue to support us through our concert ticket sales. We continue to bring high quality family entertainment through your donations and fund a great program such as this,” said Lang, President of PFFNH.
Press Release Contact:
July 14, 2008 David Lang, 437-0035
PFFNH ANNOUNCES GRANT PROGRAM TO HELP FIRE DEPT’S PURCHASE LIVE-SAVING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
As energy prices rise, fire departments brace for spike in CO calls
Londonderry, NH – Facing a sharp increase in the number of carbon monoxide-related calls for help from the public, the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire announces a new program to equip first responders with a new technology designed to assess personal exposure levels to the potentially deadly gas. The Public Safety Emergency Service Grant Program is open to all municipal EMS and Fire Departments in New Hampshire. The goal is to equip departments with a new, state-of-the-art, device capable of quickly measuring carbon monoxide levels in a person’s blood stream.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless poison gas produced by the incomplete combustion of organic matter. The lethal gas can come from automobile exhausts, faulty home heating systems, wood burning stoves, and even portable gas stoves and heaters. “As energy prices go up and people seek different ways to heat their homes this winter, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning rises,” explains David Lang, President of PFFNH. “This puts homeowners and first responders at risk to the deadly gas.” According to the NH Fire Marshal’s office, New Hampshire fire crews responded to 1,793 reported carbon monoxide incidents in 2007. Two people died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Lempster earlier this year, underscoring the threat to the public.
PFFNH’s grant program will help departments purchase the RAD 57, an easy to use, hand-held device that measures carbon monoxide in the blood stream. Lang says the RAD 57 can quickly measure CO in victims, but as importantly, it will help monitor carbon monoxide exposure in firefighters, protecting emergency personnel from a growing and deadly threat. “CO exposure is one of the biggest health threats firefighters face in the field. These detectors will save lives of Granite Staters and help us protect the men and women who answer the call for emergencies,” says Lang.
The Public Safety Emergency Services Program is offering a 50% matching grant to departments interested in buying the detectors, which are only used in a small handful of communities today. Fire Departments have already been notified of the program and applications are being received. Delta Dental and Peerless Insurance have graciously donated to the program to increase the availability of the carbon monoxide detectors.
PFFNH will formally announce the grant program in a press conference on Monday, July 21st at 1:00 at the NH Fire Academy in Concord. Dr. Bryan E. Bledsoe, a renowned expert in carbon monoxide poisoning, will be on hand to explain the threat, and exactly how these new devices can better protect the public and emergency responders. The RAD 57 will be on display so members of the media can witness the new technology at work.
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