Council approves AED and cardiac‑monitor purchases using opioid‑settlement funds

The Town Council voted 7–0 to approve two related resolutions authorizing purchases of ZOLL AED 3 BLS automated external defibrillators and ZOLL Xenyx cardiac monitor‑defibrillators, to be funded from opioid settlement dollars so there is no impact to the town general fund.

The fire chief described the plan: 11 new AEDs (to replace units assigned to fire apparatus and other vehicles) and four next‑generation cardiac monitors used in ambulances. The chief said modern AEDs provide real‑time CPR feedback, pediatric capability without pad changes and cloud connectivity to ensure quality assurance; monitors are critical for continuous vital‑sign tracking during treatment, including opioid overdose responses. The department expects trade‑in credits (the chief cited roughly $7,500 per monitor in estimated trade value) to offset the cost of replacement.

Councilors asked routine procurement questions and then approved the two resolutions separately. Supporters emphasized the purchases will improve early defibrillation availability, permit redeployment of serviceable older units to public access locations, and strengthen EMS capabilities without drawing on general‑fund resources.

Implementation: the fire department will proceed with procurement and document trade‑in amounts; the purchase is expected to result in a townwide AED loaner program and redeployment of serviceable units to public locations.