The Lookingglass Rural Fire District (LRFD) is committed to providing the highest level of emergency medical care possible to our community. We are proud to share that LRFD is applying for a Good Neighbor Grant through the Ford Family Foundation in the amount of $15,000, which will supplement a $10,000 grant already awarded  Together, these funds will allow us to purchase a Zoll X-Series Cardiac Monitor.

Why This Matters

Currently, LRFD utilizes two different models of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators): the LifePak 500 and the LifePak CR-Plus. While these units provide basic defibrillation, they also come with significant challenges:

• High replacement costs. Pads and non-rechargeable batteries must be replaced after every use. Depending on the model, these costs range from $57 for pads to over $400 for replacement battery/pad kits.
• Compatibility issues. Our AED pads are not compatible with the Zoll X-Series cardiac monitors used by the ambulances that respond to our district. This means that once ambulance crews arrive, the pads we’ve applied must be removed and discarded, wasting both time and money.

The Zoll X-Series will resolve these issues by aligning LRFD with the same cardiac monitoring technology used in surrounding ambulances. This means pads placed by LRFD can be used seamlessly by ambulance personnel, allowing for faster transitions in patient care and reducing costly waste.

What the Zoll X-Series Can Do

The Zoll X-Series is more than just a defibrillator—it is a comprehensive cardiac monitoring and advanced life support tool designed for emergency responders. Key functions include:

• Defibrillation and cardioversion. Provides life-saving shocks to correct lethal heart rhythms, with precision energy dosing.
• Continuous cardiac monitoring. Real-time display of heart rhythm to guide treatment.
• 12-Lead EKG. Captures a detailed snapshot of heart activity. This is especially critical in chest pain calls—if symptoms are present when LRFD arrives, we can capture vital data that may self-resolve before ambulance arrival. These early EKGs can reveal life-threatening conditions that would otherwise go undetected.
• Automatic blood pressure monitoring. Replaces manual cuffs and stethoscopes, freeing responders to focus on other critical tasks.
• Pulse oximetry (SpO₂). Provides continuous oxygen level monitoring, guiding airway and respiratory care.
• Carbon monoxide and EtCO₂ monitoring (when equipped). Detects dangerous exposure or breathing compromise, further improving diagnostic capability.
• Rechargeable power system. Eliminates recurring costs of disposable batteries.

In short, the Zoll X-Series provides LRFD with the same advanced monitoring tools carried by ambulance services. It closes the gap between the arrival of fire first responders and ambulance crews, ensuring our patients receive seamless, continuous care from the very first minutes of an emergency.

Why Now

LRFD is experiencing the same volunteer shortage that affects fire districts nationwide. With fewer responders available and more emergencies occurring, efficiency is vital.

• In 2024, LRFD responded to 238 calls.
• In 2025, we are already on pace to exceed 300 calls.

By automating vital sign collection and streamlining patient care transfer, the Zoll X-Series will free up personnel for other lifesaving tasks and allow us to deliver a higher level of care despite staffing challenges.

How the Community Can Help

To strengthen our grant application, we are seeking letters of support from community members. Your letters demonstrate to the Ford Family Foundation that this project has strong local backing and that the investment will directly benefit the lives of people in our district.

If you are interested in writing a letter of support, please contact us atCaptain@lookingglassfire.org

 We can provide guidance or examples to make the process simple.

Together, we can ensure that LRFD is equipped with the right tools to save lives, protect our neighbors, and continue serving with the highest level of care possible.