VIDEO: The Chicopee Fire Department recently held a news conference to showcase new equipment that strengthens its emergency response capabilities. These upgrades will help keep the community safer by allowing fire trucks to carry basic life support equipment.
The department’s first responders now have enhanced tools to assist residents during medical emergencies. The Chicopee Fire Department has changed the licensing on its trucks. This change allows fire apparatus to transport basic life support equipment directly to emergency scenes, improving immediate patient care.
Chicopee Fire Department Fire Chief Daniel Stamborski stated the department is highly active in medical responses. “We respond to 15,000 calls, more than 15,000 calls last year, two-thirds of that being medical response,” Stamborski said.
Katie Collins-Kalbaugh of the Chicopee Fire Department highlighted the immediate benefits of the new capabilities. “Typically you have to wait for the ambulance to arrive to start some of these and now as soon as the fire apparatus gets there, if anyone is in need of any of these interventions, medications, we have it all available right there,” Collins-Kalbaugh said.
The new equipment carried on fire trucks includes albuterol and nebulizers for asthma, Epi-Pens, basic medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol and supplies for people with diabetes. First responders have undergone extensive training to ensure they are prepared to use this equipment effectively in any situation.
Chicopee Mayor John Vieau expressed reassurance about the new diabetic supplies, given his daughter has Type one diabetes. Vieau emphasized the importance of quick access to these items. “Her sugar went low, she needed some type of help and care and having simple glucose tablets or some type of liquid on the apparatus when your sugar is low is critical for someone who has Type-1,” Vieau said.
