Town Gets $122K FEMA Assistance To Firefighters Grant For CPR Devices

EAST HAVEN, CT — East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora and Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli announced the award of $121,835 in federal assistance that will go directly to the fire department for the acquisition of CPR compression devices.

Since 2017 the department has been awarded over $1.62 million through Fthe ederal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grant award was supported by East Haven's legislative contingent, Sen. Dick Blumenthal and Sen. Chris Murphy, Rep. Rosa DeLauro and state Rep. Joe Zullo will be used to purchase five state-of-the-art CPR compression devices which will now be carried on all fire department apparatus.

“The department is really excited about this award," Marcarelli said. He pointed to studies that show CPR compression devices have proven efficacy." One study, he said, indicates that there was as much as a 164 percent of return of a heartbeat with implementation of the devices. They’ve also shown a 21 percent increased blood flow to the brain. The fire chief noted that, 99 percent of cardiac arrest survivors had an improved neurological outcome when a compression
device was used."

The devices also free up the hands of a rescuer who may be needed to provide airway management or administer medications to the patient who is in cardiac arrest, Marcarelli explained.

"In a department that has seen an unprecedented increase in calls for service, our people can be spread thin, and it’s sometimes all hands on deck," Marcarelli said. "During 2022 the EHFD responded to 7417 calls including 70 cardiac arrests where (basic life support) and (advanced life support) were administered. That's 285 cardiac arrests in the past three years. These devices will help until there are more personnel. Now every fire unit, career and volunteer, will have a mechanical CPR compression device to deploy at a cardiac arrest. This is lifesaving technology."

Carfora noted that Marcarelli has a "great track record, bringing in nearly $2 million" in grant monies for the town, department.

"Since I have taken office, I have encouraged Chief Marcarelli to aggressively pursue grant funds whenever possible to reduce the financial obligation on the town, who would normally fund these purchases," Carfora said. "I commend the Chief for his work on this highly competitive grant, and I am pleased to support his efforts. This equipment will save lives in East Haven, and we are fortunate to have a great team of professionals who do great work."

Carfora also pointed to the "cooperative relationship," the town has with its state and federal legislators.

"This is another example of how our cooperative relationship benefits East Haven residents,” he said.