STAMFORD RECREATION SERVICES In the time that it takes you to read this article, sudden cardiac arrest will have claimed another victim in the United States. According to the American Red Cross, more than 200,000 Americans die of sudden cardiac arrest every year. More than 50,000 could be saved with early intervention and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). In May 2007, the Stamford Recreation Services Division became equipped with AEDs at all of the City of Stamford public beaches and pools. An AED will enable City of Stamford lifeguards to deliver early defibrillation to victims in the first critical moments after a sudden cardiac arrest. The single most important determinant of survival of cardiac arrest is the time from collapse to defibrillation. Each minute of delay decreases the chance of survival by 7% to 10% (American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Manual). Therefore, by equipping and training City of Stamford Lifeguards with AEDs we increased the potential to save lives through early AED intervention. Furthermore, each AED is fully compatible with AEDs used by SEMS (Stamford Emergency Medical Services), which will take over care from the lifeguards upon their arrival to the scene. All Lifeguards receive American Red Cross training as part of their lifeguard and CPR certification. The training takes about 2 hours and ensures that the lifeguards are ready to respond at any time. We are proud to be one of the first departments in the region to have AEDs at our aquatic facilities and thankful to our elected officials who approved the purchase of the critical lifesaving equipment. |