Clinton County has installed two AEDs in the County Courthouse. AEDs, or automated external defibrillators, are easy-to-use medical devices that can deliver an electrical shock to someone in cardiac arrest to help re-establish an effective rhythm.“Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States,” Clinton County EMS Director Steven Deckard says. “Studies have shown that a rapid response is the most crucial element to survival. Each minute a defibrillation is delayed, decreases the odds of survival by approximately 10%.”
A dozen Clinton County employees have been trained on the AEDs which are located on the first floor next to the security desk and on the third floor inside the court offices. Deckard demonstrated how they’re used through a hands-on skills session.
“These AEDs are very user-friendly,” Deckard add. “They give the user step-by-step voice instructions on how to position the electrodes and when to administer a shock. I’m happy to report that we’ve never had an incident that required an AED but if we do, we are prepared.”
The total cost for the AEDs and their installation was $3,700 which was funded by the County’s maintenance budget.