We plan to purchase 16 AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) that will be strategically positioned within our neighborhood to provide the quickest possible response to anyone who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. We will be connected to an alerting service which will contact our volunteer responders to start life saving measures before the arrival of Paramedics which can not only save a life but provide that person the quality of life they deserve. There are currently 291 AED groups, 973 AEDs and over 6,000 trained neighborhood responders here in The Villages.
Our neighborhood is approximately 4 minutes (farthest point) from the nearest fire station but we cannot be sure that paramedics will be in the station when the need arises, and they may have to respond from a greater distance should we need them. The Villages Fire Rescue responds to more calls every year (over 25,000 last year!). Having a medical facility close by is no help because they will not come help us or bring us to their Emergency Room. For every 1-minute delay in starting CPR and using an AED, the chance of survival decreases by 10%. AEDs, combined with immediate CPR, have saved numerous lives in The Villages. We can make a difference! AED Fact Sheet
When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the heart starts to fibrillate or “quiver” but does not pump blood. CPR (chest compressions) makes the heart pump and keeps oxygen flowing to the body, but will not "start" the heart. The AED is a battery operated device that determines whether a heart needs to be defibrillated (shocked) into resuming a normal rhythm. It gives audible commands and is so simple anyone can be taught its use in a few minutes.
How does the program work?
There are 919 homes in our village. Our neighbors will become volunteer responders. The Villages Public Safety Dept. will provide training free of charge. Each responder will be connected to PulsePoint. When a cardiac arrest occurs, a call is made to 911. The 911 operator, in addition to determining the nature of the emergency and dispatching paramedics, also sends a message via PulsePoint who alerts our group. Responders nearest the home will go start CPR while others bring the AED.
Who would be responsible?
The Villages Public Safety Department oversees the program. They assist in forming, training the volunteer responders and providing continuing updates on training and equipment. Our volunteers will respond to administer CPR and to apply the AED.
We are asking for a $100.00 per household contribution to fund the program for the first 5 years:
16 new AEDs, storage cabinets & installation
AED replacement batteries and pads
Any maintenance costs that might arise
Quite a bargain for a life saved and that life may be yours!
