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By Paul Chasko

Members of Mingo Creek Presbyterian Church in Union Township listened attentively on Tuesday evening, October 7th, as trainers from the Jefferson Hills Area Ambulance Association (JFAAA) came to present to them their new automated external defibrillator (AED) and explain its operation.

Pictured are (l-r): Bob Zirkle, PA-C, PHPE; Kathy Hamilton; Pastor Glenn McClelland; Asst. Chief Robert Gibson, RN, NRP; Frank Roskov (Church Elder) and Wayne Allridge (Church Elder).

JFAAA Asst. Chief Robert Gibson explained that "AED units have long been proven to aid in the increased survival of individuals suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) or heart stoppage due to an accident or injury." He added, "Early defibrillation with an onsite AED can be the difference between life and death. Performing CPR immediately, public access of an AED and the time to the first defibrillation shocks are the most critical factors in determining increased survival rates."

JFAAA assisted the church in preparing the specifications for the AED so that it would be completely compatible with the JFAAA ambulance heart monitors, manual defibrillators and software used in downloading heart rhythm data from the AED. In addition, all of the JHAAA paramedics know how to use it to transition into advanced cardiac life support care. Gibson believes that compatibility with equipment carried by local area emergency responders is critical.

Church members were proud of their investment to help cardiac lifesaving efforts in their community, having raised over $2,200 for its purchase. The AED will be mounted inside their church in a highly visible area.

Contact Jefferson Hills Area Ambulance at 412-384-0111 for information on CPR classes.

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