Lisbon Schools’ Automatic Defibrillators Inspired by Student

Richard Green, Superintendent of Lisbon Schools, thanks Ryan Robitaille, LHS Class of 2014, for his efforts in galvanizing efforts to install Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in all three of Lisbon’s Schools.  Robitaille wanted to raise awareness of effectiveness of saving lives with an AED in memory of his grandfather.  Pictured (l-r):  LHS nurse, Elaine Daly, Ryan Robitaille, Superintendent Green, and PWS nurse, Carrie Pelletier.  LCS nurse, Nancy Craig, unavailable for photo.  Photo by Monica Millhime.

Lisbon – Lisbon High School freshman, Ryan Robitaille, recently embarked on a district-wide project of installing Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in Lisbon Schools.  Robitaille, an active member of the Lisbon Falls Fire Company as a Junior Fire Fighter, contacted Lisbon Fire Department, Chief Sean Galipeau, and Lisbon School Superintendent, Richard Green, referencing two recent incidents in Yarmouth and Cumberland where lives were saved by AEDs.  Robitaille, who recently lost his grandfather, Robert Robitaille of Lisbon Falls,  wanted to dedicate a project in memory.  At the request of his grandmother, in lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations be made to the AED Fund for Lisbon.   “We considered supporting a number of non-profit organizations in my granddad’s memory.  Our family decided on contributing directly to the Lisbon community and our schools,” shared Robitaille.  Thanks to all of the donations from friends and family members, $2100 was dedicated in his grandfather’s memory, bringing the AED Project to fruition.  The School Department donated $600; with Lisbon Falls Fire Company and the E. T. Smith Hose Company each donated $500.  The Fire Department facilitated the transactions with the Town of Lisbon to purchase the equipment with assistance from the Maine Emergency Medical Services, an organization promoting public safety.  Training for key school personnel was provided by Lisbon Falls Fire Deputy Chief, Mike Robitaille.  Schools nurses provided training for staff and schedules for student sessions will be announced. 

FMI on Lisbon School events, programs, volunteering and grant opportunities contact, Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime at 754-0021 or email mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org.