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Red Cross provides free external defibrillators and training
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Posted on Oct 14 2011
The Division of Sports and Recreation and the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa recently received automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, from the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter.
“Having the AED around our facilities makes us and visitors feel safer,” said Joseph Attao, Sports and Recreation director. “If somebody has a heart attack, at least we have the equipment available to try and help them.”
About 10,000 athletes and spectators use the facilities at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on a yearly basis, Attao said.
Members of the Chalan Kanoa Diocese also expressed gratitude in receiving the lifesaving device.
“The AED will be a big help in case of an emergency,” said Fr. Ryan Jimenez, the apostolic administrator for the diocese. “Parishioners at large will also feel good that we now have the AED device.”
With its daily and weekend worship services, plus other church events like weddings and funerals, the church has thousands of people that use its facilities throughout the year, Jimenez said.
The Red Cross was able to donate the AEDs through a grant made possible by the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation.
“We would like to get as many AEDs out into the community as possible,” said NMI Chapter executive director John Hirsh. “There are several AEDs around the island that are available to the public to use in the event of an emergency.”
Heart attacks continue to be one of the leading causes of death in both men and women in the U.S. As part of its mission, the Red Cross trains people to prepare and respond to emergencies. AED training programs are one of the many courses offered to the community by the Red Cross.
For more information about the Red Cross or its health and safety program, call the chapter at 234-3459. (ARC)
