Every day, Westport firefighter Rob Lenois goes to work knowing he may have a chance to save someone’s life.
Now the rest of us can save a life too.
On April 24 (5:30 to 10 p.m., Autostrada), the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts its 2nd annual Whiskey Tasting.
The evening includes whiskey, specialty drinks, wine and beer; light bites from On the Marc; DJ Rob; a huge silent auction; antique fire trucks, and a photo booth.
The event falls on the third day of Passover. A rabbi will bless the ceremony, and kosher food will be available.
It’s a very important fundraiser. The goal is $80,000.
That’s the amount needed to replace 55 AEDs (automatic external defibrillators). There is one in every fire vehicle, police car and ambulance in town.
But they’re all nearly 20 years old, at the end of their useful lives.
Firefighter Rob Lenois, with a well-worn AED. He stands in front of Coleytown Engine Company 6’s 1950s-era map of the neighborhood. (Photo/Dan Woog)
AEDs ensure than human beings — you, me, our families, friends and neighbors — don’t check out before the end of our own useful lives.
Lenois says that when someone suffers a cardiac event, the survival rate using hands-only CPR is just 3%.
With an AED, that rises to 11%. And it’s a very impressive 66% if the victim gets to a hospital, after a pulse is obtained.
Westport first responders use their AEDs a dozen or so times a year. Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan had a memorable experience, saving a young woman’s life at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
The community has rallied behind the firefighters’ April 24 event. Greens Farms Spirit Shop is the whiskey sponsor. The Kiev family, Tina Dragone, Hammer & Nails, Fleet Auto and many others are providing sponsorships and/or auction items.
Of course, Autostrada is an eye-popping party space. “If you haven’t seen it, this is a great chance to go,” Lenois says.
Autostrada’s lounge overlooks a floor filled with classic cars.
Last year’s event sold out, and raised over $40,000 for 4 important causes: “bed shaker” alarms for every hearing-impaired child in Westport; the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp; children’s cancer care, and cancer screenings for firefighters.
This year’s fundraising target is double that.
It’s a small price to pay, for 55 AEDs that could save someone’s life.
Or yours.
Click here for tickets to the 2nd annual Westport Firefighters Whiskey Tasting, and more information.
AEDs (automatic external defibrillators) save lives.
