Great Barrington — The Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad (SBAS) announced the acquisition of three Lucas chest-compression devices, vital tools in modern emergency medical care that provide consistent, efficient chest compressions during cardiac arrest. Because of a $75,000 donation from SBAS board member John Halbreich, each of the squad’s ambulances will now be equipped with this life saving technology.
“It’s a mechanical CPR device,” explained Halbreich, “which is essential in saving the life of a person in cardiac arrest, as well as freeing up the EMT or paramedic to perform other essential duties when they begin care at the scene and while en route to the hospital.”
SBAS Chief Kevin Wall explained that these machines have become standard equipment on most modern ambulances, allowing EMTs to begin performing life-saving CPR immediately when they arrive at the patient’s side. “Unfortunately, emergency medical service agencies nationwide are underfunded,” explained Wall, “and many of the tools we need to save lives simply aren’t readily available to us due to funding gaps. It’s a reality, in the current environment, that we need to rely on the generosity of people like John Halbreich to allow us to effectively service our community.”
Chief Wall, Halbreich, and the entire board of SBAS has campaigned to bring awareness of the plight of Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad and its dire financial situation. “Most people don’t realize that our ambulance service is not fully covered by the town or insurance reimbursements,” Wall explained. “We are literally hanging on by a thread.”
Unlike the fire and police departments, emergency medical services is not considered an “essential service” in Massachusetts, and therefore the Commonwealth does not fully fund ambulance services. “I spend most of my time working to make sure SBAS doesn’t go out of business, which is happening in small towns throughout the country,” according to Halbreich. “Most recently Adams lost their ambulance service. No one really realizes it can happen here, but it can.”
SBAS, a nonprofit private entity, depends upon local donations to survive.
“Until the state, our towns, and insurance reimbursements cover the costs, I am determined, and honored, to support the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad and their life saving work,” said Halbreich. “These devices will make meaningful difference in life-and-death situations, and I am proud to help bring this technology to our community.”
“Most people don’t think of what it takes to get an ambulance, or where that ambulance responds from until they need an ambulance,” Wall said. “So we keep asking for community help. As the ad says, ‘the life you save could be your own.’”
SBAS serves southern Berkshire County with a team of highly trained paramedics and EMTs, providing critical care and transportation in emergencies. The addition of these three Lucas devices reinforces the squad’s commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.
For more information and to support the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad, visit their website or donation page or contact Chief Kevin Wall at (413) 528-3632.
