Downey to place donated defibrillators around city

DOWNEY – CareMore donated 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the city of Downey last week, devices that can make the difference in a person surviving sudden cardiac arrest. The defibrillators are used on victims who are unconscious and without pulse, signs of circulation or normal breathing.

The device analyzes the heart rhythm and advises the rescuer if a shockable rhythm is detected. If so, the defibrillator delivers a shock.

“Bottom line, this is about saving lives,” said Fire Chief Mark Gillaspie, during a ceremony at Fire Station No. 1.

“Our goal is keeping the community healthy and safe, same as the Downey Fire Department,” said Conrad Villafuerte, vice president and general manager of CareMore. “I’m honored to present these defibrillators to the city of Downey.”

CareMore officials said the addition of AEDs around the city will aid in decreasing the amount of time before a cardiac arrest patient receives potentially life-saving treatment.

The initiative’s goal is to install the units at select locations throughout the community where individuals trained by the city can access and use them in cases of emergency.

Once locations are finalized, staff members will be trained in CPR and will be able to administer assistance to those suffering from cardiac arrest.

Most heart attacks happen outside of a hospital or medical facility and survival rates drop by 10 percent for every minute a victim of sudden cardiac arrest waits for CPR, officials said. Brain damage occurs after 4-6 minutes, with few resuscitation attempts succeeding after 10 minutes.

City officials are currently projecting the first AED installation date to take place late March.

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Published: Feb. 19, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 45