Firehouse Subs® Shreveport Hosts Grant Acknowledgement Ceremony for Bienville Volunteer Fire Departmentt

A cardiac arrest is never expected, but with the right actions delivered quickly, the chances for survival and full functionality increase dramatically. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest victims are twice as likely to survive and make a full recovery when an automated external defibrillator (AED) is applied quickly. 

The Bienville Volunteer Fire Department is often the first emergency response team to arrive on scene when someone calls for help. In their rural area, it can take up to 45 minutes for an ambulance to reach their location. In the event of a cardiac arrest, timing is crucial – but having the proper equipment to help is also a critical factor. Last year, the department’s older model AED was discontinued, making it unserviceable by the manufacturer and impossible to fix if something were to malfunction. 

Now, thanks to a grant of $32,511 from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Bienville Volunteer Fire Department is equipped with a new Stryker Lifepak 15 monitor defibrillator. Proceeds from purchases made at U.S. Firehouse Subs restaurants provided the funding for this grant award, allowing the department to be fully prepared to provide advance life support and save lives. 

To celebrate the receipt of this grant, Bienville Deputy Fire Chief Bill Dabbs joined local Firehouse Subs owners Greg and Jennifer Burke at their restaurant in Shreveport, Louisiana for an acknowledgement ceremony and official check presentation from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.