The Edgeccomb Fire Department will hold an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 regarding the purchase of a new truck. The department is seeking to replace two emergency vehicles with a new Fast Attack truck equipped with a Ford F-550 chassis. The Fast Attack is priced at $247,600 and would perform the same duties as the 1981 Rescue 1 and 1984 Pumper. Edgecomb Emergency Management Association Director Bill Witzell described the two older vehicles as “unreliable and hampering the department’s ability to protect the town and residents.” Department personnel will explain the current vehicles’ deficiencies and the Fast Attack’s attributes during the informational meeting.

Witzell provided the department’s report for March. The fire department responded to 14 calls between March 3-31.

On March 3, the department responded to a U.S. Route 1 medical call for a patient who fell and injured their hip. First responders assisted in loading the patient into an ambulance for transport to a hospital.

On March 4, the department responded to a medical emergency for an Eddy Road patient who had difficulty breathing. First responders evaluated the patient, administered oxygen and assisted in loading the patient into an ambulance.

On March 7, the department responded to a U.S. Route 1 medical call for a patient who had difficulty breathing. The sheriff's department arrived first and determined cold weather triggered the patient’s asthma. EFD personnel had no contact with the patient.

On March 9, the department responded to two emergency calls. Firefighters responded to a Cross Point Road medical call for a patient injured in a fall. Firefighters assisted in loading the patient into an ambulance. Firefighters responded to a fire alarm set off mistakenly by workers at a Deck House Road business.

On March 13, first responders answered a medical call for a Cross Point Road resident who fell. Responders evaluated the patient and confirmed the patient was not injured. Responders assisted the patient back into a chair and cancelled the ambulance call.

On March 15, the department responded to two emergency calls. First responders answered a Boothbay Road call for a patient previously diagnosed for respiratory distress (pneumonia). Responders took vitals and later assisted in loading the patient into an ambulance. First responders answered a second Boothbay Road call for a vehicle which left the road. No injuries or property damage were reported.

On March 17, the department responded to three emergency calls. First responders answered a medical call for a Boothbay Road patient who fell out of bed. An ambulance arrived ahead of EFD personnel and confirmed no injuries and assisted the patient back into bed. EFD had no contact with the patient. First responders answered a Cross Road emergency call for a patient complaining of severe back pain. Responders evaluated the patient. Medical coverage transferred to ambulance personnel. First responders answered a Boothbay Road emergency call for a patient with a possible adverse reaction to medication. EFD responded at the same time as the ambulance and assisted with preparing the patient for transport to a hospital.

On March 23, first responders responded to two motor vehicle accidents at the intersection of McKay and River roads. One vehicle reportedly rolled over. Ambulance emergency medical technicians checked drivers and passengers and reported no injuries.  Department personnel provided traffic control. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

On March 31, the department responded to two emergency calls. First responders attended a Cross Point Road medical call. An ambulance arrived first. Department personnel provided lift assistance into the ambulance. First responders assisted a second Cross Point Road call when they received a page for a downed tree. Department personnel arrived and discovered the tree had already been removed.