An automated external defibrillator (AED).
I received word this past week from the Huletts Volunteer Fire Company Chief, Jay Vander Plaat, that the new AED’s which the fire company ordered have arrived.
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function.
This is a milestone which the community has a right to be proud about.
Last year, the Fire Department’s fund drive was focused on raising the money to replace their current four AED’s with new models.
The Fire Department wanted to put these life saving devises around the Landing for members of the community to use in the event of an emergency. In order to do that, people had to be trained.
Thus, the Fire Department first provided the community with the classroom instruction in first aid, CPR and the proper use of the AED.
The Huletts Landing Property Owners Civic Association submitted the paperwork and applied for PAD which stands for Public Access Defibrillator through Glen’s Falls Hospital which provided medical direction along with Dr. Desaderio from the ER, who handles EMS services for the Mountain Lakes Region.
Susan Biondo DeVerna, because of the death of her husband on the Landing and the Fire Department’s effort to save his life, is donating an AED and its water proof storage box to be housed along the HLPOCA’s beach and tennis area.
For all those who worked to make this happen – the community is extremely grateful.