THOMASTON — Thomaston Ambulance Department recently received a $37,988 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® that ensures that first responders have the necessary equipment to keep community members and themselves safe.

The grant will be used to purchase a new cardiac monitor and defibrillator, allowing the Thomaston department to save lives faster when seconds count, according to a Town of Thomaston news release. The new monitor programming allows for faster recognition of cardiac conditions and faster communication to hospital providers to prepare a care plan prior to the patient’s arrival. It also offers technological features that improve communication and efficiency with the required speeds through WiFi, remote viewing of the data by other providers, transferring of patient data from the monitor to the hospital, and the elimination of cables. It is compatible with all leading cardiology systems used at the hospital.

“We are grateful to the Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Topsham for awarding us this grant,” said Kara George, Thomaston Town Manager. “The new cardiac monitor and defibrillator will fulfill a critical need within our department and allow our first responders to better help the people of Thomaston during emergency situations.”

For the past 18 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide. To learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation or donate directly, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the 501(c)(3), non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The charity provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans. Since inception, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $83 million to hometown heroes in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Support for Canadian first responders is provided through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is honored to be listed as a four-star nonprofit organization, the highest designation, by Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. More than 70% of the funds raised for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation come from the generosity of Firehouse Subs guests and the restaurant brand. Please consider supporting a Firehouse Subs restaurant near you!