Quote:
Originally Posted by metoo21
So who paid to purchase the post, PVC sleeve, light cap and box? That should be included in the cost of each AED if paid for by the village. And you state, y'all have enough money to fund the AED program for many years. What does that equate to per AED?
I didn't say the AED itself was $3000 each, what I said was "about $3K each from what I've been told to purchase one, buy the pole & box, get pole & box installed, etc." The etc was for the incidentals. I continued with "Batteries must be replaced every couple years along with other expenses such as inspecting the AED's on a regular basis and replacing any components of the kits as necessary. Components would include gloves, patches, leads, etc."
I would think that if $3000 per AED was raised then one would have a sufficient amount to fund the program for a few years. If only initial money is collected to buy the AED (and the post, PVC sleeve, light cap and box are free), that isn't enough money to have in the AED coffer.
In my opinion, no one wants to be asked every few months for more money to buy the ongoing supplies. If the program is funded for a few years, then when that funding gets down to a certain level ($1000 per AED for example) then the villagers could be asked to contribute something again to fund the program for several more years. One must also realize that supplies have to be kept on hand to immediately replace any that were used.
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I will try to answer your questions/concerns, but keep in mind that every neighborhood is unique. I can only answer for what we did in Chitty Chatty.
Our neighborhood elected a board to oversee the process of starting, implementing, and maintaining the AED program. Several public meetings were held, and regular updates were put out to our residents. The decision was made early on that we did not want to be "coming back to the well" every couple of years soliciting donations. Because of that, we asked residents to contribute $150 per household. The response was excellent.
To use your "per AED" analysis, we collected over $4,000 per AED. Our all-in costs have come to less than $2,000 per AED, and that is all inclusive: AED unit, 4x4 posts, PVC sleeves, AED box, lighted cap, and necessary hardware. Our labor costs were zero. Six of our 8 posts were installed on District property, by District Property Management at no cost. The other two, along with all the PVC sleeves, boxes, locks, and lights were installed by our members...again at no cost. We currently have 48 residents who have been trained as responders, with training provided by the Villages Public Safety at no cost. We will be using the Pulse Point dispatch notification system, also at no cost.
While I cannot speak for what has been done in other neighborhoods, here in Chitty Chatty we feel highly confident that we are positioned to operate and maintain our program for many years without additional fundraising. Your mileage may vary.