Gib's Blog

When Seconds Matter: Gib’s RV Donates AEDs to Protect Wildland Firefighters

Written by Heather Isaac | Dec 3, 2024 5:15:00 PM

At Gib’s RV Superstore, we know that in the world of emergency response, minutes matter—and sometimes, so does the right equipment at the right time.

That’s why we were honored to donate 10 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)—valued at $13,520—to the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) in support of their life-saving work in the field.

This donation wasn’t part of a planned campaign. It started with a conversation. Our Office Manager, Kayla, whose husband Cody works as a forest officer with CFPA, heard about a growing concern: crews battling fires in rugged, remote areas didn’t have access to AEDs. It wasn’t in the budget—but it was clearly a need.

Then came a wake-up call. In the summer of 2024, a CFPA team member experienced a serious heat-related medical emergency on the fireline. While other measures were successful, the incident made it clear—an AED could mean the difference between life and death in the field.

Kayla brought the concern to dealership owner Lisa Larkin, and together, we got to work. Within weeks, the devices were purchased and delivered:

  • Five AEDs were installed on wildland fire response trucks—vehicles that travel across Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties, and beyond, responding to fires on public and private lands.

  • Five more AEDs were placed in local CFPA offices in communities like Bridge, Fourmile (Bandon), Gold Beach, and Reedsport.

These devices are now positioned exactly where they’re needed—ready to help save a life when every second counts.

Why This Matters

The Coos Forest Protective Association is a critical force in protecting Oregon’s forests and communities from wildfire. Founded in 1910, this nonprofit operates under the direction of the Oregon Department of Forestry to protect 1.5 million acres of land in Coos, Curry, and western Douglas Counties.

Their team is trained to respond quickly and efficiently to wildfires—often in areas far from immediate medical services. These aren’t just local crews—they assist in emergencies across the region, and sometimes even beyond.

The work is dangerous. The terrain is remote. And thanks to this partnership, their teams now have an added layer of protection when it matters most.