HOULTON – The Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation has made a grant to the Patten Ambulance Service to assist with the purchase of a defibrillator unit.

The grant for $7,982.50 covers half the cost of a Lifepak 12 defibrillator-monitor. The unit will provide ambulance personnel with the ability to monitor a patient’s heart and, if necessary, restore a proper heartbeat using the unit.

“This is a considerable contribution which aids in saving lives in our rural areas while [patients are] being transported to the hospital,” Elizabeth Dulin, foundation executive director, said in a prepared statement.

The Patten Ambulance Service provides service to nine towns in northern Penobscot and southern Aroostook counties, as well as to several unorganized territories.

The health services foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides funding to health-related services in the Houlton Regional Hospital service area.