Berlin Lions Club receives $20,000 for AED project
BERLIN ― The Berlin Lions Club is the recipient of funding for much-needed community health emergency equipment.
The 1889 Foundation granted $20,000 to the Berlin Lions Club for Community CPR/AED Training and the purchase and distribution of AEDs.
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An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device designed to analyze the heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims with an uncoordinated heart rhythm, or ventricular fibrillation, that most often is responsible for sudden cardiac arrest. The shock restores the heart rhythm to normal.
The Berlin Lions Club began the AED Program in 2016 and has placed 14 AEDs in strategic locations throughout the community to date.
"We have placed the AED units in several locations including the Berlin Market and Snida’s corner store," said William Day, Lions Club president, in an email. "At our most recent club meeting, it was voted to install our next AED at the Cup of Soul Cafe."
Training important
Approximately $5,000 will be used toward the training with the remaining funds used to purchase AEDs.
"The skills are very important," Day said. "While the AEDs are fairly well automated, it is crucial to know when and how to use them, as well as the other skills learned during the training class."
In late February, the Lions Club held a CPR, AED, and First Aid training class in the Berlin Borough Building for community members to educate them on the use of the critical response devices.
“We plan to host another training course in the future and we will also use the grant funds to purchase more AEDs as well as purchase parts, batteries and any other maintenance needed for the AEDs that have already been placed throughout our community,” said Day in a press release.
He said 37 people got certified in CPR / First Aid / AED skills through the first training class that the Lions Club facilitated.
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"We do not have a date scheduled for the next 'Save Your Valentine' CPR / First Aid / AED training class, but we hope to have it again in February next year," Day said.
The 1889 Foundation is dedicated to advancing the health and safety of the region. The project has the potential to provide quick administration of defibrillation, which could increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrests and other emergencies.
“We appreciate the proactive approach that the Berlin Lions Club has taken to address these situations and we thank them for their tireless efforts to provide emergency services and education to our communities,” said 1889 Foundation President Sue Mann.
Madolin Edwards can be reached at medwards@dailyamerican.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: 1889 grants $20,000 to Berlin Lions for AEDs, training
