In a proactive effort to bolster safety measures for City of Ellsworth employees, the staff safety committee recently identified a need for improved access to first aid supplies for City vehicles operated by the Highway, Water, and Wastewater Departments.
Thomas Canavan, the Fire and Life Safety Officer and chair of the staff safety committee, led the initiative to secure 15 first aid kits to equip city vehicles. Working with established community connections, the Safety Officer reached out to local businesses known for their support of safety initiatives. Letters of request outlining the need and purpose were sent to Hammond Lumber, Home Depot, and Walmart.
City of Ellsworth employees greatly thank Hammond Lumber for providing ten first aid kits, Home Depot for an additional five kits, and Walmart who granted a $200 gift card, facilitating the purchase of supplementary supplies and extra kits for restocking purposes.
City Manager Pearce, alongside Safety Officer Thomas Canavan, personally distributed the first aid kits to the Highway, Water, and Wastewater Departments, ensuring that each city vehicle is adequately equipped to handle basic first aid needs.
In a separate development, on April 24th, 2024, the Safety Officer secured a generous donation from a local benefactor, who has chosen to remain anonymous, to fund an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for Ellsworth’s Harbor Park and Marina. The AED will be housed with the Harbormaster Officer, enhancing emergency response capabilities in the area.
For those unfamiliar with an AED, it is a critical medical device designed to assist individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This user-friendly device can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if necessary, aiding in the restoration of a normal heartbeat.
By proactively addressing employee safety concerns and investing in essential life-saving equipment, the City Safety Committee reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its workforce and the community at large.
