A ambulance technology overhaul is helping emergency responders in Garland save more lives.
The Garland Fire Department is replacing 14 ambulance EKGs that were old and outdated. The new ones can instantly transmit a patient's information to hospitals.
"This is all about saving more lives," Garland fire Capt. Todd Peele said. "Time is muscle, and if you're having a heart attack, every second that you go without oxygen, more and more of your heart dies."
Once the EKG is transmitted, responders at the hospital get a text or email alert so they can see the EKG right from their smartphones.
Margaret Choice, whose husband recently sustained a heart attack, is glad to see the upgrades.
"We really need those," she said. "It's going to save a lot a lot of lives."
The new machines will be paid with a $427,000 federal grant. The city will also kick in 20 percent to cover costs.
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"I am 72, and I feel like I'm in good health," said Garland resident George Nolan. "But who knows when you have a heart attack or an embolism or something else, and the doctors will be alerted before you even get to emergency and be ready to treat you."
The fire department said the money from the sale of the old machines will make up for the money the city has to pay for the new ones.
