By Gage Wilson
For Glasgow News 1
A piece of equipment designed to keep lifesaving chest compressions going during an emergency will soon be in the hands of Park City first responders, with an anonymous donor covering half the cost.
During the Park City Commission’s Monday meeting, commissioners approved contributing $5,419 toward the purchase of a refurbished automated chest-compression machine located with the help of the Barren River Area Development District.
“Matt at BRADD found us a used one, but it’s completely redone and it’s nearly half the price of a new one,” Mayor Donna Scavo said.
Scavo said she also contacted Barren-Metcalfe EMS Director Joe Middleton after initially believing the agency might be able to help the city obtain a new machine for a comparable price. A new unit, however, would cost about $22,000.
“So, this one is the same one they use at Barren-Metcalfe and I wanted to ask you tonight if you’d like to donate the $5,419, because for the other half we do have an anonymous donor,” Scavo said.
BRADD’s Matt Pedigo said grant funding for the equipment might have eventually been possible, but obtaining it through that process could have potentially taken years.
“I could’ve maybe found you a grant for that eventually, but it would’ve taken a long time, and we don’t want to see anymore of your people pass for that,” Pedigo said. “This is a good model and I did confirm it’s compatible… It was refurbished by the manufacturer, so it’s factory refurbished.”
The device provides automated chest compressions during cardiac emergencies, allowing responders to continue CPR while freeing personnel to perform other lifesaving tasks or move a patient. The refurbished device will cost the city around $10,500.
“It doesn’t tire out,” said Scavo. “So it can keep doing them as long as you need.”
Commissioners also opted against placing a community dumpster in the city this fall, citing the city’s current financial obligations. Park City has periodically provided dumpsters for residents as part of community cleanup efforts, but commissioners indicated the expense would be better avoided for the time being.
According to Scavo, the city plans to offer the cleanup initiative again next spring and, finances permitting, next fall.
The city is also moving forward with a community effort to repaint Park City’s fire hydrants. Paint for the project will be donated by CEA, with residents invited to volunteer and participate.
City Tourism Director Linda Watts also celebrated Park City’s recent America 250 celebration, estimating around 600 people attended the concert portion of the event.
The September celebration included “Miss Betty’s Jeep Invasion” through the Mammoth Cave area, activities involving local businesses and a ribbon-cutting for the city’s new pickleball courts. Events culminated at Bell’s Tavern Park with food vendors and a concert by Busted Flat.
Several more events remain on the city’s calendar this month. The Mammoth Cave 50K and 25K is scheduled for Oct. 24, with approximately 125 runners expected to participate.
Park City will also recognize First Responders Day on Oct. 28.
Work is continuing on the city’s planned time capsule, with submissions being collected for items representing Park City and the county.
Key Facts:
– Commissioners approved a $5,419 contribution toward the refurbished machine Oct. 5.
– Scavo said an anonymous donor will cover half the purchase.
– BRADD helped locate the equipment.
– A new machine would cost about $22,000, according to Scavo.
– Commissioners opted against a community dumpster this fall.
What’s Next:
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. Park City also will recognize First Responders Day on Oct. 28.
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