Heart Safe Communities is an initiative to increase survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute found that by placing defibrillators in public places and training citizens to use them, communities speed response times and double survival from SCA. Buffalo Hospital Foundation, in partnership with Allina Transportation, and scores of schools, civic organizations and area businesses have educated more than 2,400 citizens about SCA and how to use an AED while placing more than 160 defibrillators throughout Wright County.
To date, there have been many lives saved thanks to the placement of these devices, including Rod Wadsworth of Rogers, Minnesota. While cleaning a house, he became a victim of SCA. Deputy Lisa Fox of the Wright county Sheriff’s office was the first to arrive at the scene and administered a shock using the Heart Save AED in her squad car. “Ron is alive today thanks to Wright County being on the forefront of placing AEDs in squad cars,” says Kelly Lewis, Heart Safe Communities coordinator at Buffalo Hospital and Allina Medical Transportation. “Rapid response is key to saving lives because every minute that goes by a person’s survival rate decreases by 10 percent.”
How you can help The Buffalo Hospital Foundation has established a Heart Safe Fund for Wright County to place AED's in key locations. Donors can give to the Heart Safe Communities Fund of Wright County or to support placement and upgrade of AEDs as well as training. To make a donation, mail your donation to: Buffalo Hospital Foundation, 303 Catlin St., Buffalo, MN 55313 or call 763-684-6603. By donating you could save a family member, friend or neighbor. Back to Community Partnerships
Buffalo Hospital
303 Catlin Street
Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
763-682-1212 E-mail us
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