Jan 16, 2012
In an emergency situation, time is of the essence. In rural areas where medical response time might be longer, any advantage that buys time for professionals is a lifesaver.
Chances are people have seen the red cases hanging on the walls of schools, businesses or hospitals, but automated external defibrillator (AED) stations are now making an appearance in places of worship around Livingston County. As part of the CARDIAC program - Community AED Response Delivering Appropriate, Immediate Care - churches were given the chance to buy a basic defibrillator for a discounted price of $1,050.
While a thousand dollar purchase for many churches can prove restrictive, it takes only one situation to prove the effectiveness of the equipment, said Clint Hudson, a paramedic for Livingston County Emergency Medical Service.
"We are really pushing this because since we are a rural service, the chances for survival in a sudden cardiac arrest increases tremendously with this device," Hudson said. "In some scenarios it is the only chance for survival. The longer it is withheld, the less likely survival is possible."
A sudden cardiac arrest - where the heart fails to contract effectively, ceasing vital blood flow - can happen to people of all ages, and the sudden rhythmic shock of an AED can re-establish an
effective heart rhythm, potentially saving lives.
"The device is so simple, the common layperson would be able to use it," Hudson said. "There are simple pictures that walk you through the whole procedure. It's pretty fail-safe, and you can't accidentally shock someone that doesn't need it."
Ohio Valley Baptist Church in Ledbetter purchased an AED several months ago. Pastor Terry Mitcheson said among his congregation of 600, there are many medical staffers such as nurses
and technicians who know the device and have held classes to train other church members.
"We minister to the scriptural needs of the people, and this is just an extension. This is kind of our emergency ministry that we're starting to get into," Mitcheson said.
The CARDIAC program helped propel the church into new avenues, such as starting a disaster relief ministry team for the church and throughout the community. The ability to save someone's life with such a device allows for another way to spread the Christian message, Mitcheson said.
"Since it is a rural community here - everyone knows each other - we're a big family," Hudson said. "Buy an AED for life. If not someone you know, it could be yours.
