High Point Medical Center's Critical Care Team Makes Life Saving Donation
10/27/2014
High Point, N.C. - High Point Medical Center's Critical Care Department donated two life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AED's) to the Archdale Recreation Center.
Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Over 350,000 people will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest this year. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere and at any age. The average response time for first responders once 911 is called is eight to 12 minutes. For each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced approximately 10 percent. The American Red Cross supports the position improved training and access to AED's could save 50,000 lives each year, stating all Americans should be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it.
Angelina Drews, an RN at High Point Medical Center, teaches an exercise class at the Archdale Recreation Center and recognized the need for an AED. Together with Cheryl Allison, RN leading High Point Medical Center's Critical Care team, they applied for and secured a grant from NC RACE CARS HeartRescue Project at Duke University for two AED's.
"An AED is the most effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest." said Angelina Drews, RN, nurse manager at High Point Medical Center, "It saves lives and is easy to operate for someone with no medical background."
In addition to providing the AED's, the grant covers CPR and AED instruction for Archdale Recreation Center staff and the community, which will be provided by High Point Medical Center.
Archdale Recreation Center will host a free community event to provide health information and instruction of hands-only CPR with AED's. The event will be held at the Archdale Recreation Center, 214 Park Drive, Archdale, NC 27263 on Saturday, November 1, 9:00 a.m. - noon. For more information about the event please call (336) 431-1117.
For more information on High Point Medical Center and our Critical Care program, please call (336) 878-6888 or visit HighPointRegional.com.