WAUKESHA, Wis., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiac Science will place Powerheart G5 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools, parks, and other public-access areas this month thanks to the charitable contributions of Norwalk Hospital and the family of MaryGrace and Mark Gudis of Westport, Connecticut.
Norwalk Hospital and the Gudis family donated 100 Cardiac Science Powerheart G5 AEDs to five communities in Connecticut—New Canaan, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton—to enable anyone, from first-time users to professional rescuers, to quickly respond to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incident.
The goal of placing AEDs in public-access areas started after Mark Gudis, a trustee of Norwalk Hospital, helped in the rescue of a 17-year-old student who collapsed during a high school soccer match. The student, a spectator at the game, was on the field during halftime when he suffered a SCA. Mark Gudis, who keeps an AED in his vehicle, rushed the unit to the field where athletic trainers, other parents, and he used the AED to rescue the student.
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"We were very fortunate to have a favorable outcome," Mark Gudis said. "Given this near-tragedy, and similar past occurrences in our communities, it is apparent we need more AEDs in our schools, on our athletic fields, and in our community centers."
"This donation creates the first regionalized public-access AED program in our area, in addition to training more individuals in CPR," said Matt Soicher, Norwalk Hospital's director of Emergency Medical Services. "There's always a way to get an AED to somebody sooner, and that's what we're looking to do with this project."
Matt Soicher worked with the town leaders and school boards in the five Connecticut communities to determine where the new AEDs can best be deployed. Approximately half of the units will be placed indoors at schools and sports facilities. The remaining units will be installed outdoors, in protective cabinets, for use at sports fields, parks, and golf courses. The Norwalk public beaches, at some distance from EMS services, will also have multiple AEDs, Matt Soicher said. Additionally, the Norwalk Hospital and the Gudis family are working to provide CPR and AED training and certification to high school students and other members of these communities.
Cardiac Science President, Al Ford, congratulated Norwalk Hospital and the Gudis family on increasing community access to AEDs.
"More and more communities are recognizing the need for public-access AEDs at sporting events and large gatherings," Al Ford said. "We designed the Powerheart G5 AED to make it possible for coaches, trainers, teachers and bystanders to provide immediate life-saving assistance."
