For the Tomahawk Leader
TOWN OF LITTLE RICE – The Little Rice Fire Department recently used donated funds to purchase equipment that could help save lives.
The Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation, CoVantage Cares and the Marshfield Clinic Health System contributed funds to the department, which were used to purchase four new Defibtech automated external defibrillator (AED) units.
AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. They can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm, according to the American Red Cross.
In a Facebook post, the department said it now has AEDs in each of its responders’ direct-to-the-scene gear and noted that it is currently working on placing public access AEDs in each of the businesses in its response area. The department is aiming to install eight public access AEDs by April 1.
Each of the public access AED units cost roughly $1,000.00.
The department is currently accepting donations towards its AED implementation efforts. Contributions can be mailed to the Little Rice Fire Department, 3737 County Rd. Y, Tomahawk, Wis., 54487.
