The Rock Community Fire Protection District is buying $500,984.06 worth of equipment to replace aging devices and prepare for moving a truck to House 1, 1533 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold.
The district is paying $452,580.73 for seven LIFEPAK 35s, which are a mobile cardiac monitor and defibrillator; $29,427.33 for a Lucas 3 Chest Compression system, a mechanical CPR device; and $18,976 for Knox Med Vaults, which are used to store medication on firetrucks.
The board of directors voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to approve the purchases.
“These purchases are about saving lives by making sure our crews have the best tools to take care of people when it matters most,” Division Chief Medical Officer Patrick Smith said. “These purchases directly support our ability to respond quickly, provide high-quality care and keep our community safe.”
Chief Kevin Wingbermuehle told the board that one of the vaults, one of the LIFEPAKs and the Lucas machine will be installed onto a 2009 Commercial Cab Chevrolet, also called a mini pumper, that is moving from House 3, 3540 Lonedell Road, just west of Arnold to House 1. He said the additional equipment will turn the mini pumper into an advanced life-support unit.
Mike Shafferkoetter, assistant chief of operations, said the mini pumper is expected to be moved in March. He said the district is making the move because it expects to get a 2026 Pierce truck with a 105-foot ladder by the end of June. That ladder truck will replace a 2005 truck that has a 75-foot ladder.
“The relocation of the mini pumper to Station 1 is a strategic initiative designed to optimize our emergency response capabilities and manage our fleet more effectively,” Shafferkoetter said. “Given that Station 1 is our highest-volume facility, the addition of a smaller, more versatile unit will reduce unnecessary mileage and mechanical wear on the larger ladder truck.
“Furthermore, having a second apparatus available at this location ensures we can maintain continuous service during concurrent emergencies. At this stage, there are no plans to replace the unit at Station 3; rather, we are reallocating existing assets to better serve the safety needs of our community.”
Wingbermuehle told the board the medication vaults are needed because the district cannot use one of its vaults because it no longer stays closed when a truck is moving.
“That gives open access to our narcotics,” he said. “That is one of my very extreme sticking points. I have no tolerance for narcotics mistakes because of the liability that goes with that.”
Wingbermuehle told the board it was not necessary to buy eight new vaults, but the district did budget to purchase the vaults this year, and it made sense to replace them all before other vaults stopped working properly.
“The eight Knox Med Vaults ensure our controlled medications are stored securely and safely,” Smith said. “That protects patients, keeps us in compliance with regulations, and maintains accountability for these important medications.”
Wingbermuehle told the board the Lucas device was probably the most needed piece of equipment to make the mini pumper an advanced life-support unit.
Smith said the device helps us provide steady, high-quality CPR and allows first responders to focus on other critical tasks while the device delivers consistent compressions.
“Currently all apparatus are equipped with this device,” he said. “With an additional apparatus being placed at House 1, this additional Lucas 3 will ensure that all trucks are equipped with the same equipment to provide the highest level of care.”
The board had previously approved buying six LIFEPAK 35s with the intention of having five of the devices put on trucks and the sixth for Smith’s vehicle for when he responds to calls.
Wingbermuehle said Rock Fire could go without Smith having a LIFEPAK 35, but it would be better for Smith to have a device for when he responds to calls or if one of the other devices stops working.
Wingbermuehle also said Rock Fire budgeted to spend $400,000 to purchase the devices, and while the additional one pushes the cost over that mark, he would prefer to pay more and have seven.
“The seven new LIFEPAK 35 cardiac monitor/defibrillators give our firefighter/paramedics up-to-date, reliable equipment to quickly assess heart problems, deliver shocks if needed, and closely monitor patients during serious emergencies,” Smith said. “In cardiac arrest situations, seconds count.”