Defibtech, SCAA Launch AED Program for Critical-Need Communities
In conjunction with the first-ever National CPR/AED Awareness Week, which began Sunday, AED manufacturer Defibtech (Guilford, Conn.) and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (Washington, D.C.) yesterday launched an effort to provide AEDs to communities with critical needs. Defibtech CEO Dr. Glenn W. Laub said the effort will address the dangers posed by sudden cardiac arrest and correct some common misperceptions about the roles of CPR and AEDs.
Chris Chiames, SCAA executive director, said the association will work through its 25 local chapters and affiliates to identify communities where AEDs are needed to strengthen the "chain of survival," which includes 911 services, individuals trained in CPR, public-access defibrillators, and medical services including emergency, recovery, and preventative care. "Using its grassroots network, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association will identify areas where public-access defibrillators can mean the difference between life and death," he said.
As these areas are identified, Defibtech will make donations appropriate to the need, Laub said, with the first donations to occur during June in honor of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, which is being observed officially through June 7. The joint effort between the organizations is in keeping with the charter of SCAA, whose members are dedicated to promoting solutions to prevent sudden cardiac death, including increased awareness, immediate bystander action, public access to defibrillation, and access to therapies, principally ICDS--implantable cardiac defibrillators. For more information, visit www.suddencardiacarrest.org or www.defibtech.com.