The Lindsey Villas AED Program

We are looking for Lindsey Villa neighbors who would be willing to head up this project.  Please let us know if you are interested.  I believe this will save a life.  Please let me know by sending me an email or calling.  Thank you.  Carene
 

What is an AED?
The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device. An AED can check a person’s heart rhythm. It can recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. And it can advise the rescuer when a shock is needed. The AED uses voice prompts, lights and text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.

AEDs are very accurate and easy to use. With a few hours of training, anyone can learn to operate an AED safely.

What is the AED Program?

The Lindsey Villas, like other neighborhoods in the Villages would subscribe to ReadyAlert and purchase 2 AEDs to be placed on the Villa walls to provide rapid response to anyone who experiences a sudden cardiac or respiratory arrest in the Lindsey Villas. 

Why Do We Need an AED Program?

Even though we are not far away from a fire station, we cannot be sure that medics will be in a station when the need arises, and the emergency team may have to come from a greater distance.

Statistics show that nationwide there is a 6-7 percent chance of surviving a cardiac arrest that occurs outside a hospital.  The Villages has a much higher survival rate (over 40 percent for the past five years) largely due to the number of AED units in The Villages.  There are 122 existing Villages AED communities, AEDs are located also at rec. centers and there is a good response time of medics.

The AED combined with immediate CPR has saved the lives of numerous Villagers.  For every one minute delay in starting CPR and using an AED, the chance of survival decreases by 10 percent or more.  Thus, if the medics arrive in seven minutes there is a 30 percent chance of survival if a person has not had CPR and an AED administered.

CPR BUYS TIME - THE AED BUYS LIFE! 

What does the AED unit do?

When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, the heart starts to flutter (fibrillate) but not enough to pump blood.  CPR (Chest compression) 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 diagnoses whether a heart needs to be defibrillated (shocked) into resuming a normal rhythm.  It gives audible commands and is so simple anyone who understands English can be taught its use in a few minutes.

How would the Program Work?

There are 70 homes in the Lindsey Villas.  We would like to have at least 16 Lindsey Villa residents trained as "responders".  The Villages Public Safety will provide CPR training free of charge.  The more responders trained, the better our community will be able to handle an emergency situation.  In this way, one or more responders would be at home at any time.  Each responder household would have a ReadyAlert service.  When a cardiac arrest occurs, the first thing is to call 911.  The 911 operator, in addition to determining the nature of the emergency and dispatching the medics, will see on their screen the attack occurred in an AED Community and would send a message via ReadyAlert.  While one or more responders would go immediately to the home, others would pass by the AED unit and take it where it is needed.  The units are stored in locked cabinets located on the property of the Lindsey Villas so they are readily available to responders, all of whom will have keys.

Who would be responsible?

The Villages Public Safety Department oversees and assists the program.  They will order the equipment under their state contract, train the volunteers and provide continuing updates on training and equipment.

What is the Cost?

The cost per household would be a one time cost of $125 . 

For further information, email  Carol Miller  or contact her by phone 352.751.5108.

Within the next few weeks, neighbors of yours will be going from house to house to give you more information, and to collect your contribution.  Donna and Eddy Gallow are heading up this endeavor and be providing you with more information.