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Mended Hearts, Inc., Chapter 127
Cookeville, Tennessee 38501
Cookeville, Tennessee 38501
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program
One of the most successful Chapter 127 programs is that of raising funds through chapter activities and events to provide automated external defibrillators (AED's) throughout the Cookeville, Putnam County, and Upper Cumberland area.
CARDIAC ARREST
Annually, nearly 1/4 million Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest. What is cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest is the sudden, abrupt loss of heart function.The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. Sudden death (also called sudden cardiac death) occurs within minutes after symptoms appear. Quick action is essential in treating cardiac arrests because they may cause brain and heart damage. For each minute following a cardiac arrest, the probability of survival decreases about 7 per cent. After 10 minutes, resuscitation is doubtful. This means immediate treatment is needed to restart the heart in order to survive. The best treatment for restarting the heart is defibrillation, a series of electrical shocks applied to the heart.
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED'S)
An automated external defibrillator, or AED is an automated, computerized medical device that is capable of checking a person's heart rhythm and, when necessary, providing an appropriate electrical shock that may "reset" the heart to an acceptable, normal rhythm.
It has been proven that if a person has some form of heart attack where an AED and a knowledgeable person is available to administer a mild shock to re-establish a normal heart rhythm and circulation, that chances of survival are increased significantly (up to 80%).
CARDIAC ARREST
Annually, nearly 1/4 million Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest. What is cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest is the sudden, abrupt loss of heart function.The victim may or may not have diagnosed heart disease. Sudden death (also called sudden cardiac death) occurs within minutes after symptoms appear. Quick action is essential in treating cardiac arrests because they may cause brain and heart damage. For each minute following a cardiac arrest, the probability of survival decreases about 7 per cent. After 10 minutes, resuscitation is doubtful. This means immediate treatment is needed to restart the heart in order to survive. The best treatment for restarting the heart is defibrillation, a series of electrical shocks applied to the heart.
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED'S)
An automated external defibrillator, or AED is an automated, computerized medical device that is capable of checking a person's heart rhythm and, when necessary, providing an appropriate electrical shock that may "reset" the heart to an acceptable, normal rhythm.
It has been proven that if a person has some form of heart attack where an AED and a knowledgeable person is available to administer a mild shock to re-establish a normal heart rhythm and circulation, that chances of survival are increased significantly (up to 80%).
AED's are very accurate and easy to use and they can advise a rescuer or trained person when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights, and text messages to advise what steps to take and when.
The American Heart Association supports placing AED's throughout a community where trained people are also available. AED's are generally specifically placed in areas where larger numbers of people congregate, such as stadiums, airports, churches, and large department stores.
The American Heart Association supports placing AED's throughout a community where trained people are also available. AED's are generally specifically placed in areas where larger numbers of people congregate, such as stadiums, airports, churches, and large department stores.
Funding for purchase of the AED's is accomplished through Mended Hearts, Inc., Chapter 127 fund-raising events such as "silent auctions" and bake sales as well as through private donations. In some cases, AED's are provided through a cost-sharing program with recipient organizations in order to permit more AED's to be placed throughout the community. Additionally, several businesses and organizations in the Cookeville area fully support the AED program and provide grants to assist in their purchase.
Tom Little, Chapter 127 President, and member Robert Hibbs display typical AED provided throughout the Cookeville area.
Friendship Methodist Church
Poplar Grove Baptist Church
McClellan Church of Christ
Church of Nazarene
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2007-2010 Mended Hearts, Inc., Chapter 127 All Rights Reserved
