Rescue squad gets new heart monitors

The Morgan County Rescue Service recently purchased two replacement cardiac monitors to meet new mandatory state guidelines for emergency transport vehicles. The heart monitors cost about $20,000 each.

The new equipment will be installed in the ambulances this week once the protective covers are in.



Donations from Wal-Marts of Martinsburg, Hagerstown and Winchester, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation and Caperton Furniture Works helped pay for a portion of the cost of the equipment.

Senior paramedic Mark Murphy made phone calls and did the legwork to solicit donations from area businesses, said Morgan County Rescue Service Chief John Corson.

The support of area businesses and civic organizations makes it possible for the Rescue Service to meet the emergency medical needs of local residents and visitors, said Corson.

Murphy said they are glad they have the new monitors, which are now required.

"They keep raising the bar on everything," said paramedic Dave Bowers of the state guidelines.