The Syosset Fire District is upgrading all automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and advanced cardiac monitoring units on board all ambulances and fire apparatus used by the Syosset Fire Department (SFD). A total of 32 new units were purchased through a grant from State Senator Carl Marcellino.

The AEDs are used to deliver brief, controlled electrical shocks to help restore normal heart function in certain heart attack victims. The SFD's Advanced or Critical Care EMTs and paramedics also utilize cardiac monitors and advanced manual defibrillators to treat these same conditions. New advances in defibrillator technology made the upgrades a top priority for both the district and the fire department.

"A rapidly applied defibrillator can literally mean the difference between life and death," said Commissioner Dennis Hendrickson, who is also a volunteer paramedic for the SFD in addition to working as a medic for the County Police Department's Emergency Ambulance Bureau. "Residents served by the Syosset Fire Department can rest easier knowing that our emergency vehicles are being equipped with the latest state-of-the-art lifesaving technology. On behalf of the district, I extend heartfelt thanks to State Senator Carl Marcellino, who recognized the need and secured funding for this crucial equipment."

"Emergency medical calls, including reports of heart attack, account for 25 percent of calls received by the Syosset Fire Department," said Third Assistant Chief Robert Kaplan, also an EMT for over 18 years. "In addition, heart attack is the top killer of firefighters across the United States. Defibrillators provide a way to help quickly combat the effects of the most treatable forms of cardiac arrest and thereby prevent heart attack deaths."

"I was pleased to be able to help provide our dedicated volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel here in Syosset with the latest technology for use in their lifesaving work in our community," said Marcellino.

Syosset's emergency vehicles will be equipped with AEDs manufactured by Zoll, a world-renowned manufacturer of defibrillation products. Zoll E Series AEDs and manual cardiac defibrillators deliver 'biphasic' therapeutic electrical shocks in a manner that minimizes further damage to what is already damaged cardiac tissue; additionally, Zoll's AEDs are specifically designed for use on pediatric patients.

As part of this upgrade, the district has also purchased public access AEDs for placement in each of the SFD fire stations and in the fire district's gym facility.