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January 1, 2005
Portable Defibrillators Becoming Standard Issue For Line Crews, Public Power Magazine, January-February 2005
| For More Information |
Tim Blodgett
Hometown Connections
303-526-4515
tblodgett@hometownconnections.com
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New AEDs enable anybody to treat SCA quickly and effectively
“I remember what it’s like to be a lineman,” said Rod Prince, energy services director for the city of Cairo, Ga. Recalling the hazards of the job, Prince took the advice of his electric supervisor and foreman and agreed to buy HeartStart FR2+ automated external defibrillators (AEDs) from Philips Medical Systems. Cairo purchased six Philips defibrillators through Hometown Connections and MEAG Power.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can happen to anyone, at any age, at any time, without warning. In addition, a severe electrical shock can cause SCA. When SCA occurs, an electric shock from a defibrillator is the only effective way to restart the heart. This shock should ideally occur within the first three to five minutes and emergency medical crews can-not always respond quickly enough. The portable AEDs enable anybody to treat SCA quickly and effectively.
Members of the American Public Power Association save up to 35 percent on HeartStart Defibrillators and accessories when purchasing through Hometown Connections. MEAG Power serves as the local Hometown Connections sales representative in Georgia.
“With the aid of Doug Moore, MEAG’s energy solutions project manager, we saved even more by joining in on a state contract for the AEDs and by securing a safety grant from our state association,” Cairo’s Prince said. “In addition to the savings, we valued knowing that a reputable firm like Hometown Connections endorses the Philips AEDs.”
The six HeartStart defibrillators have been placed on electric crew vehicles. Tommy Scott of MEAG Power trained and certified all crew members to operate the AED.
The Bristol Tennessee Electric System purchased 19 defibrillators. Two units are in utility office buildings and the other 17 are in vehicles.
“We purchased the defibrillators as a cooperative effort with the city, Bristol Life Saving Crew, and Sullivan County Emergency Medical Services to provide a safer workplace for our employees and to help make Sullivan County a safer community,” said utility General Manager R. Michael Browder.
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority purchased defibrillators and ancillary equipment, including a fast response kit and training video. “VPPSA provides a good package of medical benefits and maintains a corporate culture of safety, and concern for employees’ welfare,” said Charles J. Underhill, VPPSA’s manager of finance, rates and planning. “The AED is a natural fit within that environment. Furthermore, the product endorsement and pricing from Hometown Connections made the purchase decision an easy one.”
VPPSA is not concerned about legal liability resulting from the use of a defibrillator, Underhill said. In Vermont, as in all states, Good Samaritan coverage helps safeguard people who voluntarily use a defibrillator to try to save a life. The federal Cardiac Arrest Survival Act offers additional protection.
After receiving a memo from the Northeast Public Power Association on the Philips/Hometown Connections AED program, VPPSA General Manager Bill Gallagher and Walter McGrath of Hometown Connections worked out the details of the purchase.
Ted Garille, general manager of the Pascoag Utility District in Rhode Island, also learned of the defibrillator program from NEPPA officials, with follow-up information provided by McGrath.
“Being able to work with Walter on this and other projects means a great deal to me,” Garille said. “I’m deluged with cold calls from sales people. But when Walter comes to visit, he brings with him a level of trust. Walter is a former general manager of a public power utility, so he can anticipate my questions and concerns.”
The Pascoag Utility District is placing one Philips defibrillator in the linemen’s room and one in the utility office.
See the Philips Web site for more information.
• Philips Medical Systems
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