Photo courtesy of City of Crown Point
The Crown Point Fire Department recently purchased eight LIFEPAK Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The purchase comes as the fire department continues to offer public CPR and AED classes monthly at Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St.
Funds for the AEDs were raised during Bears and Badges, an annual fundraiser hosted in honor of first responders by First United Methodist Church of Crown Point.
The Rev. Mark Wilkins recruited event organizer Al Podowski to host special guests Jim Miller and Dennis McKinnon, former Chicago Bears players, for the special event held on April 5 at On the Square Sports Academy.
A strong turnout from faithful Chicago Bears fans and support from Crown Point community residents made the event a success, said Crown Point EMS Division Chief Erik Schmitt.
“Early CPR and rapid defibrillation can double or even triple survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association,” Schmitt said. “The eight AEDs purchased from the fundraiser upgraded and expanded the fire department’s ability to respond to sudden cardiac arrests in our community. These devices are available on fire trucks, administrative vehicles and specialty EMS units to quickly respond in addition to fully equipped ambulances.”
The monthly CPR classes at Bulldog Park spotlight how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR and how to use an AED, said Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner.
“Taking two minutes to learn Hands-Only CPR and AED use can truly be used to save a life,” Baumgardner said. “About 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes, a place where a trained family member can make an incredible difference.”
Automated external defibrillators deliver an electric shock to the heart through the chest when it detects an abnormal heart rhythm. AEDs can be safely used by members of the public and are commonly found in public places. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the probability of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest event decreases by 7-10 percent for every minute a victim stays in a life-threatening arrhythmia.