Photo by Leo Derkowski
Steve Forman, chief of operations, Thompson Valley EMS, demonstrates to Lois and Arn Hart how easy it is to use an AED.

By Leo Derkowski
The Surveyor

In a presentation last week, the Berthoud Fire Protection District (BFPD) acquired six much-needed AEDs and a training AED. An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, easy-to-use medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

The acquisition of the AEDs was a collaboration of four organizations: BFPD, Thompson Valley EMS, McKee Wellness Foundation and the Hart Foundation.

As Berthoud Fire Department Chief Steve Charles explained, Dr. Lois Hart of the Hart Foundation contacted him and inquired about the availability of AEDs in Berthoud, specifically in the fire department.

“This was very timely for us because we had a pressing need to acquire more AEDs,” said Charles. “We cover over 103 square miles serving Berthoud and the surrounding area including Boulder, Larimer and Weld Counties. As first responders, we can be deployed into some remote areas and if we encounter a medical emergency, access to an AED immediately can be critical.”

Dr. Hart’s inquiry started the ball rolling and the Thompson Valley EMS and the McKee Wellness Foundation quickly became involved. “Ten years ago in conjunction with Thompson Valley EMS we started the HEARTSafe Community Coalition,” said Kara Pappas, executive director of the McKee Wellness Foundation. “One goal of the Coalition is to increase community awareness of sudden cardiac arrest, to place more AEDs where people live, work, and play and to educate the public on how to confidently and competently administer CPR when a life is on the line. Our primary function is to provide financial support to the program.”

“We help the McKee Wellness Foundation with the acquisition of AEDs,” said Steve Forman, operations chief of Thompson Valley EMS. “We process applications for an AED and work with various vendors to acquire the devices. Kara arranged the funding, and in this case, reached out to Dr. Hart to fund the acquisition. We then ensure that the AEDs are installed properly and tracked.”

How important is access to an AED? “It’s very important to surviving a cardiac arrest,” said Forman. “When you look at what we call the chain of survival the key steps are early recognition, an immediate 911 call, early CPR and early defibrillation. Studies have shown that time and time again access to an AED makes a big difference. That’s why we stress the placement of AEDs in public areas and training people in CPR. AEDs save lives; we’ve seen it.”

Some people may be hesitant to use an AED. They may think they won’t know how to use the AED or they might harm the patient. They should not be concerned. The AEDs of today deploy advanced technology and are fool-proof to operate. Recorded voice prompts take you through the entire process step by step. Today’s AEDs will even tell you when to apply CPR and have an audible metronome that helps time compressions.

“This is a very generous gift from the Harts,” said Chief Charles. “Lois and her husband, Arn have helped to make not only Berthoud a safer community, but it also has an impact throughout our region, even extending into other states if our equipment is deployed there. Our goal is to make Berthoud a HEARTSafe community.”