Two local Firehouse franchises have made huge impacts on rescue squads.
Thanks to grants totaling over $53,000 from Firehouse Subs Strawbridge, Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad now has LUCAS devices on all four of its ambulances. The LUCAS is a portable device that provides automated, consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions during CPR, and they’re valued at up to $15,000 each.
“They truly save lives and allow us to provide the best possible patient care to the community,” says PACHVRS chief Chris Daly. “Our success rate for full cardiac arrest conversions has dramatically increased.”
The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad recently received a $20,000 grant from Firehouse Subs Hilltop to purchase two MegaCode Kelly™ advanced life support manikins, which are being used at Station 8 in a new skills lab open to all EMS volunteers. The manikins, one adult and one child, mimic actual people; they can be programed to have seizures, breathing difficulty and even speak. EMS providers can hone their skills with IVs, intubation, AEDs and more.
“Our members expressed a desire for ongoing training and state-of-the-art equipment to keep their skills top-notch,” says Travis Smith, captain of operations at VBVRS. “These manikins will help our members succeed and enable us to continue to provide the best patient care possible.”
Firehouse Subs locations collect donations by selling pickle buckets at $2 a piece and by asking customers to “round up” when paying. Donations are distributed through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
“It’s part of Firehouse Subs’ culture,” says Bob Bates, Firehouse Subs Strawbridge franchisee. “And if our contributions can help save lives, they’re worth every penny.”