On the recommendation of Chief Jim Silvernail, the Mehlville Fire Protection District Board of Directors recently agreed to seek bids for seven automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, to enhance the districts’ existing AED Program.

Silvernail told the Board of Directors that while the district currently has AEDs on two vehicles — one used by deputy chiefs and one used by the deputy chief of emergency medical services — he wants to purchase AEDs for five additional vehicles, one AED for the district’s Administrative Office and one AED for the district’s Maintenance Shop.

“… I think this would really enhance us on lifesaving …,” Silvernail said during the Nov. 22 Board of Directors meeting.

Silvernail proposed placing AEDs in his vehicle, the assistant chief’s vehicle, the fire marshal’s vehicle and two inspector vehicles.

In a memorandum to the Board of Directors, Silvernail wrote that after talking with Craig Walk, deputy chief of emergency medical services, “I believe that each unit will cost approximately $1,500.

“With your approval, this purchase will have to be put out to bid and will be paid out of the 2009 budget.”

Silvernail also spoke with Dr. Christopher Bosche, the district’s medical director of emergency medical services, about training to use the new AEDs.

“Dr. Bosche has informed me that training can be performed in house,” Silvernail wrote in the memo to the board. “This program would result in all employees of the fire district being trained on and having access to an AED while working.

“I think this program is an important one and should be implemented in the near future for the residents of the district. I thank you for your consideration,” he wrote in the memo.

Board Treasurer Bonnie Stegman’s motion to seek bids for the seven AEDs was seconded by board Secretary Ed Ryan and unanimously approved by the board.

“… It’s going to add to our lifesaving capabilities,” Silvernail said.