There are many perspectives on how the community should respond to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. What I can tell you is the Neighbors Saving Neighbors program has broken ground over the last couple of decades in getting an AED brought to cardiac arrest victims in a rapid fashion. This is done by integrating the simultaneous notification of neighbor responders (through Pulse Point or Ready Alert) with the dispatch of emergency services. There are approximately 6000 responders with hundreds of AEDs in many (but not all) of The Villages neighborhoods. Each program is funded and operated by their respective group/neighbors- some as small as a couple dozen, or as many as 1500. Local fire-rescue units do respond quickly, sometimes they arrive before the NSN responders. That is great. Often the NSN responders arrive first. CPR and AED application is used as appropriate no matter who gets there first. There are times when the call isn't actually a cardiac arrest and other times death has occurred well before the 911 call was initiated. Response statistics are reported by TVPS monthly. If you desire more information on NSN Bob Sjogren is the contact. His number is listed above. There are opportunities for CPR/AED training and certification. Martha Mitchell is one of several contacts that provide this great training.
Sumter County is a leader in the country with citizen response to sudden cardiac arrest. They do this with using the Pulse Point app. Community notification of cardiac arrest is becoming available in a growing number of jurisdictions. Locally, Marion County uses Pulse Point. But I do not believe Lake County has it available.
Many communities are deploying AEDs and locating them at places where people gather- sports fields, parks and recreational facilities, stadiums, etc. Secure enclosures are available to keep the unit secure and weather proof. Some counties are even assigning AEDs to individuals that agree to respond with them when notified. AEDs are becoming readily accessible for public use so be on the lookout for one. Its kind of like a fire extinguisher...you hope it's never used, but death is almost certain without it. Cost can range from $600-700 for a refurbished unit to near $2000 for a new unit. Want to know how anyone can save a life:
https://savestation.ca/blog/save-in-sonoma-valley-ca/
Or, Six Minutes to Live:
https://youtu.be/_4XVn8cLZ9M
Training is great, but if you don't know what to do just turning on the AED and it will help you through the steps. Calling 911 will give you another opportunity for help as the dispatch personnel are well trained to support you in saving a life.
There is still more to do in getting AEDs in public areas around the region. A newly formed group is working to improve education and access. We are Advocates for Early Defibrillation and have been working for about two years to become an effective voice in the importance of being prepared when sudden cardiac arrest strikes. We offer free education and orientation to proper response to sudden cardiac arrest. I encourage you to have your community group or faith organization reach out to us and we will help prepare you for when a friend, family member, or visitor experiences a cardiac arrest.
Our Facebook page is:
Log into Facebook
And our email address is:
advocates.4.aeds@gmail.com
Kevin Knussman, President
Advocates for Early Defibrillation