As part of its ongoing commitment to community health and safety, Tompkins County government has launched its new Public Access Defibrillator program, installing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all County facilities, and training more than 100 County staff to operate the devices and perform CPR for those who suffer sudden cardiac arrest.

An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.  AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.  When that happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs.  According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 people in the US suffer sudden and unpredictable cardiac arrest each year, and fewer than 10% survive; however, immediate CPR and early defibrillation with an AED can more than double a victim's chance of survival.  Communities with comprehensive AED programs that include CPR and AED training for rescuers have achieved survival rates of nearly 40% for cardiac arrest victims.

"EMS has long known that the faster the sudden cardiac arrest victim receives quality CPR and electrical intervention (or defibrillation) the greater the potential is for a better outcome," said Tompkins County Assistant Director of Emergency Response and Emergency Medical Services coordinator Beth Harrington.  "AEDs that are immediately available along with trained public responders provide an immediate resource for those victims until EMS can arrive.

Tompkins employees Heartsaver training"I am so pleased that County government has seen the value in an AED program and has provided support and funding for training County employees in CPR and equipping every County building with an AED.  It is one of those situations where you hope that you never have to use one, but we now know that if a member of the public or a co-worker suffers from a sudden cardiac event help is immediately available.  Everyone involved in this program, especially those employees who volunteered to take the CPR training, is to be commended."

The Legislature last year appropriated $65,000 from the Contingent Fund to acquire and install the AEDs in County facilities and vehicles and to provide required training in use of the devices.  A total of 48 devices are now installed—placed in all 19 County buildings, (including rented space and the Tompkins County Public Library) and in 13 Sheriff's vehicles and three Highway supervisors' trucks.   More than 150 County employees are trained to operate the units—114 completed training as part of this initiative, including 93 employees who volunteered to complete the American Heart Association's Heartsaver program provided by the County.

The AED program was a joint effort involving the Tompkins County Health Department, the County Facilities Division, and the Department of Emergency Response.  Assistant Director Harrington, in part, coordinated the training program, and Health Department Medical Director Dr. William Klepak serves as the program's medical director.

"In keeping with the County's leadership role in community health and safety, the ready availability of AEDs will improve safety for our workforce and those we serve, and will also promote and help make AEDs a life-saving fixture throughout the county," said County Administrator Joe Mareane.  Mr. Mareane thanked all those involved in making the program reality.  "The day will inevitably come when one of our devices will save the life of a colleague, friend, neighbor, client, or visitor to our facility," he said.  "I can't think of a more profound reward for your work.  I am proud of your skills and dedication and grateful for what you have accomplished."

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