Carmen Kaufman, Physician Assistant at Rush Copley Medical Center, demonstrates the proper use of an AED with a program attendee. (CREDIT: Rush-Copley)

June is Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Month. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone regardless of age – anywhere and at any time. AEDs play an important role in the chain of survival for sudden cardiac arrest victims. It’s a good idea to make sure that people can learn how to use a defibrillator properly as it can really help in tough situations. You should also make sure that you have a defibrillator on hand somewhere. If you don’t own a defibrillator then you might want to check out something like these Physio Control’s CR Plus defibrillator.

To help the community better understand AEDs and how they are used, Rush Copley offers an AED Community Education Program. This program teaches the importance of having AEDs in public places and proper use of the equipment through hands-on demonstration.

The program is intended for general knowledge and awareness, not for individuals seeking certification.

AED Donation Program

The Fox Valley Heart Fund at Rush Copley offers AEDs to non-profit organizations in the communities they serve. The program is entirely funded by contributions received from Rush Copley employees, patients and community members.

Nearly 20 AEDs have been awarded since the program’s inception. Past recipients of AEDs include Sunnymere of Aurora, SciTech Museum, Fourth Street United Methodist Church, Kendall County Food Pantry, Temple B’nai Israel and the Oswego Senior Center.

If your non-profit organization is interested in receiving an AED complete an application at rushcopley.com.

To learn more about the AED education or donation program, please contact Susan Hines, Community Relations Coordinator at susan.hines@rushcopley.com.

SOURCE: Rush-Copley news release