The Boothbay Region Ambulance Service (BRAS) is extending tremendous gratitude to Paul and Giselaine Coulombe who have agreed to jump start this fundraising campaign with a generous matching donation up to $175,000! BRAS is running the matching fund challenge from Aug. 15 to Feb. 12, 2023. We ask for your consideration to donate or pledge a commitment to the Capital Campaign. At any given time, it could be you, a loved one or someone you know that may need an ambulance and these efforts ensure that we will be here with quality staff and equipment as Boothbay region’s first line of defense in times of EMS need.

The campaign will be focusing on the following areas of need; the purchase of our new, recently delivered ambulance, LUCAS 3 Chest Compression Systems, AED supplies, compensation increases and new benefit packages for our staff. All these items are to assist with the needs of maintaining BRAS, retention, and recruitment of BRAS employees, and to maintain the level of service to our communities by BRAS and BRAS employees. This much needed equipment will assist with the quality of care we are able to give and the quality of life of our employees.

We praise the continued generosity and support of BRAS by Paul and Giselaine Coulombe, as well as the support from the amazing community we serve. Paul Coulombe added, “My wife and I have a strong commitment to the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service and the greater Boothbay community. Your generosity will help ensure that there is access for everyone when it’s most needed. You can always depend on the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service.”

Your donation helps Boothbay Region Ambulance Service to have a bright future and a healthier tomorrow. Everyone who works to serve you, joins us in thanking you for your generosity and support. We count on your help, so that you can count on us for high quality medical services with the most up to date equipment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Donations can be made by check and mailed to 1033 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, ME, or at your local branch of First National Bank with BRAS CC in the memo. Stay tuned for more methods of donations, coming soon!

With sincerest gratitude, Rob Ham, president of BRAS Board of Directors; Steve Lewis, vice president of BRAS Board of Directors; Tim Pinkham, secretary of BRAS Board of Directors; Paul Taylor, BRAS Board of Directors; Alyssa Allen, BRAS Board of Directors; Mike Ciccarelli, BRAS Board of Directors; Gerry Gamage, BRAS Board of Directors; Tom Minerich, BRAS Board of Directors; Brenda Blackman, BRAS Capital Campaign Committee.

Want to know more, what is it for?

BRAS has recently taken delivery of a new ambulance; this unit has several features to improve crew safety and ergonomics. All this with one goal in mind, top quality patient care while providing the safest environment for our personnel. The vehicle is a on a 4-wheel drive chassis, we have installed cameras and intercom units for crew and Pt. safety as well as a new internal cabinet and seating layout allowing care to be rendered while keeping the crew member seated and seat belted. The installation of a cot power load system also reduces the risk of crew member injuries as well as a safe and secure way to load the patient.

The LUCAS 3 Chest Compression System is a device that is safe, offers quality CPR, and operational efficiencies. It helps overcome caregiver fatigue by providing consistent chest compressions. It allows for hands-free, high-quality chest compressions during transport. This device has become the standard of care and the need for this has been heightened during staffing shortages, reducing risks due to reduced personnel on scene.

Approximately five years ago Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, with the help from a generous grant, was able to place (27) Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the Boothbay region. These AEDs are a first line of support in our community to render aid until first responders can arrive. The batteries in these units, as well as the adult and pediatric pads that are required for use, have expiration dates and those dates have passed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these items have been in short supply, and we were unable to purchase them until now. We need to make sure the AEDs are in good working order, which requires replacing all
the batteries and pads now.