gotchanewsdaily.com 
HUNTER — During its first budget meeting for 2025, the Town Baord on Wednesday reviewed a request from Ambulance Administrator Ariel Woolheater for LIFEPAK equipment, aimed at enhancing emergency medical response capabilities.
Woolheater said the LIFEPAK is a high-tech defibrillator. It monitors a patient’s heart and other vital signs and has the capability to transmit the information directly to a hospital.
“As basic life support, EMTs we can now apply a 12-lead EKG to a patient,” Woolheater said. “While we can’t interpret or read the results ourselves, we can attach it [LIFEPAK] and transmit the data to the doctor at Albany Med or another hospital. This allows the hospital to advise us on whether to transport the patient for basic life support or advanced life support. I was thinking that this could reduce the number of ALS [advanced life support] transports we have to make.”
Woolheater presented the board with plans for a refurbished LIFEPAK, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and benefits for patient care. She said the reconditioned equipment is as effective as new models and will replace some of the older devices in use, such as their automated external defibrillator.
“New LIFEPAKs typically cost between $25,000 and $30,000, but refurbished units offer the same quality at a lower price, around $15,000,” Woolheater said. “I envision this LIFEPAK being used like our LUCAS [chest compression system] where we have one that travels with whichever ambulance we’re using. The LIFEPAK also includes a built-in AED [automated external defibrillator], allowing us to replace our outdated AED equipment.”
The board reviewed the request, addressed questions, and discussed their concerns. While members were enthusiastic about the equipment and its potential benefits for the community, they still had reservations.
Board member Ernie Reale was the first to say the expenditure was relatively small compared to the potential savings, especially during advanced life-support transports.
“This would be beneficial if used, but I’m trying to assess its priority to see if it truly makes sense,” Reale said. “Is it really a necessity?”
Board member David Kukle inquired about the lifespan of the equipment, but Woolheater did not have an answer for the board.
“Obviously, they’ve been out there since there are refurbished ones that are there,” Kukle said. “I can’t help but wonder why they are being returned. Are they upgrading, and if so, what kind of upgrades have occurred.? This technology is constantly evolving, and it raises concerns about using outdated equipment. I’d like you [Woolheater] to have more information on this. It’s quite intriguing.”
At the meeting, the board decided to postpone making a final decision because it was the board’s first budget meeting.
“We will probably review the budget three to four more times,” Reale said. “We don’t finalize it until November, and there are also public hearings that need to take place. This is just the first step.”
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