American Medical Response, the 911 emergency ambulance provider for Contra Costa County, recently donated 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Lafayette School District. An AED is a portable electronic device used to restore a heart rhythm during a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). When a cardiac emergency strikes, using this life saving device partnered with CPR is crucial for reviving a victim. These devices were strategically placed in the Lafayette elementary and middle schools to fulfill the company's ongoing effort to improve survival rates for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
"When AEDs are used, lives are saved. It is great to see more AEDs being placed in public locations. This shortens the time to first shock, which is the single most important factor determining survival," said Dr. Joseph Barger, Contra Costa County EMS medical director.
The Lum family witnessed the importance of an AED during the rescue of their 14-year-old son during the basketball game at the Jewish Community Center in Walnut Creek. "Having seen first hand the critical role AEDs and CPR play in surviving SCA, we are so very grateful for this donation," said the Lum family. "It is our hope that an incident never occurs, but knowing our schools are now equipped and prepared to give our children, teachers and parents a better chance of survival during cardiac arrest is very reassuring."
"When AEDs are used, lives are saved. It is great to see more AEDs being placed in public locations. This shortens the time to first shock, which is the single most important factor determining survival," said Dr. Joseph Barger, Contra Costa County EMS medical director.
The Lum family witnessed the importance of an AED during the rescue of their 14-year-old son during the basketball game at the Jewish Community Center in Walnut Creek. "Having seen first hand the critical role AEDs and CPR play in surviving SCA, we are so very grateful for this donation," said the Lum family. "It is our hope that an incident never occurs, but knowing our schools are now equipped and prepared to give our children, teachers and parents a better chance of survival during cardiac arrest is very reassuring."
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA