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EMTS want to see easy-to-use defibrillator installed in every place where people gather Chester — You might think that automated external defibrillators are appropriate for senior centers or nursing homes — but day care centers? After all, the children playing at the BonkerZ day care center in Chester, which just got its own defibrillator, are the picture of rosy health. But sudden cardiac problems can strike children too, as Mike McKay, Executive Board Chairman of the Chester Ambulance Corps, explained. For example, respiratory problems, like asthma, can affect even young hearts. That’s why Chester Ambulance is working to get as many automated external defibrillators into “the places where people gather” — whether they be workplaces, theaters, or restaurants. The corps was able to get BonkerZ “a good deal” on a defibrillator, McKay said, and hopes the day care center will inspire others in the community to follow their example. Defibrillators are electronic devices about the size of a handbag that administer an electric shock to restore heart rhythm. They are simple to use: the operator has only to attach two pads to the victim’s chest and turn on the machine. The machine will analyze the heart rhythm and tell the operator exactly what to do. With cardiac arrest, every second counts. McKay said that after 10 minutes, the chances of survival are nearly non- existent. But if heart rhythm is restored within a few minutes, most people will survive with no permanent damage. Having a defibrillator within reach can make the difference between life and death. The high survival rates associated with on-site defibrillators has prompted the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services to authorize the Public Access Defibrillation program, which is designed to encourage their greater use throughout the state. The Chester Ambulance Corps has stepped up to help local businesses and organizations buy defibrillators and train onsite personnel, like BonkerZ’s director Tracy McClintock. Two Chester EMTs, Stephen Kalmus and Mike Garry, are now finishing training that will help them teach others. To find out more about automated external defibrillators, and how to get one in your place of work or other gathering place, call McKay at 469-2721. The ambulance corps is also offering a CPR First Aid course in June. Call McKay for more information. The gang at BonkerZ: Bottom row (from left): Haley Resty, Cheyenne Sirois, Jimmy Lusinan, Olivia Miller, Johntana Napolean, Russell Broach. Middle row: Steven Smith, Kristen McClintock, Nicholas Garieri, Michael Paoletta, John Carlo Barry, Emily Andryshak. Back row: Melissa Montemarano (preschool teacher), Stephen Kalmus , Mike Garry (EMT), Michael McKay (Executive Board Chairman) holding his son Logan, Tracy McClintock (Bonkerz director) holding her son Colin. Their compact new defibrillator is on the right. Photo by Pamela Chergotis Story from The Chronicle, March 25, 2009 |
| Hearts get a hand from Chester Ambulance Corps |
