UP City Council Upgrades Outdated Equipment

University Park’s city council voted to replace aging street and fire department equipment during a Jan. 21 meeting.

The council approved the purchase of two LIFEPAK 35 Monitors/Defibrillators at a cost of $114,858.88. 

The monitors/defibrillators are used by paramedics to provide life-saving intervention and patient care. They replace units that were purchased in 2013 and that have been in service for more than 10 years, two years longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation, according to an agenda memo.

A service contract is no longer available for the 2013 units, and replacement parts for the units are limited, Fire Chief Randy Howell said.

“Like any other piece of electronics, over a period of 10 to 12 years, you see a lot of advancements,” he said.

The fire department has four LIFEPAK Monitors/Defibrillators in service. Howell said it planned to trade in the 2013 units.

The council also approved the purchase of a cement truck at a cost of just over $270,000. The new truck will be used for street repairs throughout the city. The 2009 truck it replaces will be sold at auction, according to an agenda memo.

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