Mercy Foundation to Give Life-saving AEDs

Friday, May 16, 2008

Mercy Foundation to Give Life-saving AEDs to be Local Schools
According to the American Red Cross, 250,000 Americans have died of sudden cardiac arrest in the past year: nearly one death in every two minutes. Up to 50,000 of these deaths could have been prevented if an automated external defibrillator (AED) had been available for use at the time of the emergency. An AED is a device about the size of a laptop computer that examines the heart's rhythm for abnormalities and, when necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electric shock to the victim. An AED is easy to use, complete with voice prompts to instruct the rescuer. If a "shockable" heart rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct the rescuer to stand clear of the victim and to press the shock button.

Several years ago, Mercy Foundation, in partnership with The Ford Family Foundation and American Red Cross, purchased 75 life-saving AEDs for three counties, Douglas, Coos, and Siskiyou (Calif.). Douglas County received 29 of the AEDs, with most being given to rural police and fire departments.

This year, Mercy Foundation's Tree of Hope committee has purchased 10 AEDs for distribution to the following schools: Douglas High School, Elkton High School, Glendale High School, North Douglas High School, Oakland High School, Phoenix School, Riddle Education Charter School, Riverside Center, South Umpqua High School, and Sutherlin High School. The AEDs will be distributed to school representatives on Tuesday, May 20 at 1:45pm at the Mercy Foundation office located at 2459 Stewart Parkway in Roseburg.