By: Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
Chatham-Kent council has approved the emergency purchase of 66 automated external defibrillators at a cost of $138,504.
According to an administrative report, the municipality recently learned that replacement parts for existing AED units will no longer be available because of changes by the supplier.
“With the current devices nearing end-of-life and replacement parts required, immediate replacement was necessary to ensure these critical life-saving units remain operational and maintain the expected level of service for public safety,” a staff report said.
The purchase of the Zoll AED units and associated accessories required, such as signs, cases, and extra parts, was completed through the Kinetic GPO Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with pre-qualified suppliers.
This new model is said to be more user friendly and less costly to purchase and maintain than other models.
The AEDs, designed to assist people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, will be located in high-use public spaces such as arenas and the Capitol Theatre.
Funds for the purchase will be drawn from the Building Lifecycle Reserve.
