Franklin Savings Bank Gives Penacook Rescue Squad $13K For CPR Devices

FRANKLIN, NH — Franklin Savings Bank has awarded $13,000 to Penacook Rescue Squad to help the emergency medical services provider buy automated CPR devices.

The grant was made through the bank’s Fund for Community Advancement and is intended to support emergency medical care across the communities the squad serves.

Penacook Rescue Squad is a nonprofit EMS provider based in Boscawen. The organization delivers 24/7 advanced life support care throughout its service area and is staffed by Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics who respond to medical and trauma emergencies.

Franklin Savings Bank President and CEO Brian Bozak said the devices could make a difference when responders are treating patients in critical moments.

“Every second matters during a medical emergency, and the automated CPR devices can help first responders provide lifesaving care to residents in the area,” he said. “We are proud to support the remarkable work of the Penacook Rescue Squad and their commitment to serving our communities.”

The new equipment is meant to enhance the delivery of emergency medical care. It also points to the challenges crews face in a rural service area, where resources can be limited and transport times to hospitals can run longer than in more densely populated places.

Shawn Brechtel, Chief of Department-Paramedic, said those delays can be especially difficult during cardiac arrest calls.

“Due to the rural nature of our service area with limited resources, transport times to receiving hospitals can be extended, particularly in winter months,” he said. “These extended transport times present challenges in maintaining high-quality manual CPR during cardiac arrest calls. Having automated CPR devices will allow our team to more effectively treat patients during a medical emergency.”

Franklin Savings Bank, established in 1869, is an independent, mutually owned community bank that offers commercial lending, personal banking, and investment services. The bank has locations in Bristol, Boscawen, Franklin, Gilford, Goffstown, Merrimack, and Tilton.

More information about Penacook Rescue Squad is available at penacookrescue.org.