NCFPD approves purchase of new electrocardiograms

The North County Fire District will be replacing 10 electrocardiogram units.

The NCFPD board voted 5-0 Dec. 12 to approve the purchase of 10 LIFEPAK 15 EKG monitors which will replace the district’s current devices.

“That’s essentially replacing equipment that we’ve had around almost double their service life,” NCFPD Fire Chief Steve Abbott said.

The district began its paramedic program in 1990 and has been using Physio Control EKG monitors. In 2003, the district replaced its LIFEPAK 10 EKG monitors with the LIFEPAK 12 monitors the district currently uses. The LIFEPAK 12 units have a recommended life span of seven years, but NCFPD finances caused the district to use those monitors longer by negotiating factory service and support. Physio Control no longer services the LIFEPAK 12 model, so those are also no longer eligible for an extension of the maintenance contracts.

An on-site field study evaluated the ZOLL X-Series 12-lead EKG monitor and the Physio Control LIFEPAK 15 units, which are the only two viable products on the market. NCFPD staff requested pricing and purchasing options from each vendor. The field evaluation resulted in a preference for the LIFEPAK 15.

“It’s certainly a more modern product,” Abbott said.

The total purchase price for the 10 units is $303,331.34. Physio Control offered the district the opportunity to make $60,666.27 annual payments over five years with no interest charge. The district’s first payment will not be due until July 1.

“We were able to get a good deal,” Abbott said.

The capital equipment replacement reserve fund will be used to pay for the new EKG monitors, although only $47,686.27 from that fund will be needed each year as the district will no longer have the $12,980.00 annual expense for the maintenance contracts on the existing EKG monitors.

“We’re very happy with the purchase,” Abbott said.