The Trinity Health – Shelby medical executives were recenlty presented with a "thank you" for their purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office.
"A Cardiac Science AED was purchased by a generous donation from the medical providers in our community. We are grateful for the providers in our area that recognize the need for these vital tools. Early high-quality CPR and early access to AEDs is the key to anyone surviving sudden cardiac arrest," Undersheriff Ryan Schiller stated in a media release regarding the donation.
According to the American Heart Association's 2020 Guidelines for CPR and ECC, “Despite recent gains, less than 40% of adults receive layperson-initiated CPR, and fewer than 12% have an AED applied before EMS arrival.”
"Many might assume that AEDs are in every patrol car, and that is simply not the case. AEDs are approximately $2,000 per device, which is cost prohibitive to put in every car," Schiller explained. "We have relied on many generous donors and organizations who have given so that these are available.
"Oftentimes when a 911 call for help comes in, our deputies have the ability to arrive prior to other first responders. When a deputy can arrive on scene and have the necessary tools, they can actually change the outcome of a patient. We are grateful for this opportunity to be a part in saving lives in our community.
