Luther Manor Donates Defibrillator to Fire Department

The first time they met, Meg McKenna, executive director of the Wauwatosa Chamber of Commerce, told Rob Ugaste, who took over as Wauwatosa fire chief early this year, that if his department had any unbudgeted needs she should let him know and she would let the community know.

He did, she did, and now the good people of Luther Manor Senior Living Community have come through.

On Ugaste's wish list was to have "pool" vehicles equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). While firefighting and ambulance units have these life-saving devices, a pool vehicle used by a staff member such as a paramedic or EMT on or off duty might be first on a scene and have the best opportunity to help someone in need. 

David Keller, the president and CEO of Luther Manor, 4545 N. 92nd St., presented Ugaste with a $2,000 check Wednesday to purchase one of the portable electronic devices, which can mean the difference between life and death for a person suffering from heart-related problems.

“It’s truly appreciated,” Ugaste said.

Earlier this year, an AED installed in a city building near Hart Park helped save a 50-year-old heart attack victim. That and other AEDs positioned in city buildings were donated by the Fire Department when it replaced a number of its own units with upgraded systems.

“They are an amazing technology and they really do work,” Ugaste said.

Besides the front-line fire units and ambulances, Ugaste would like to outfit another 10 department vehicles with AEDs. The total cost of outfitting 10 vehicles would be about $17,000. 

Budget constraints have kept Ugaste from reaching that goal – yet. In September, the Tosa Chamber challenged the business community to step up to the plate and make a corporate donation.

Keller said he was glad that Luther Manor was in a position to get the ball rolling.

“We are very appreciative of the Wauwatosa Fire Department, the Police Department and all of those involved in public safety,” he said.

McKenna said that besides the additional AEDs, Ugaste has requested help in getting the department a "forcible entry simulator." That tool for training and helping firefighters to protect themselves on the job while they protect the community would cost about $7,000.