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For Immediate Release
April 15, 2002
White: School Districts Can Apply for Free AEDs
Device aids
those in cardiac arrest.
Harrisburg
– School districts have until the end of April to apply for free devices used
to treat individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, said state Sen. Mary Jo White
(R-21.)
White said school districts have
until April 30 to apply for free automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
through a state program. Districts have until August 31 to apply for the
purchase of additional defibrillators at the state’s reduced cost of $1,445.
“AEDs can mean the difference
between life and death when an individual goes into cardiac arrest,” said
White. “These devices are easy to use and can be found at an increasing number
of places where people gather in large numbers. I urge local school officials
to look into this state initiative.”
White said AEDs are portable
devices that use an electric shock to restore a stable heart rhythm to an
individual experiencing cardiac arrest. Schools receiving an AED must make sure
it is maintained and readily accessible, and must have a program in place to
train users.
The General
Assembly enacted the $2.5 million, one-time AED program in May 2001.
White urged local school districts
to contact her office or the state Department of Education Bureau of School
Services before the deadlines.
CONTACT:
Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684
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