St. Mary Medical Center Donates Automated External Defibrillator to Hobart Little League

2014-AED-donationSt. Mary Medical Center recently donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to members of the Hobart Little League.

“We’re pleased to be able to donate the AED unit so that it is available to families and visitors at the Hobart sports fields,” said Robert Boby, RN, manager of Emergency Medical Services at St. Mary Medical Center. “Having the defibrillator readily available in the case of a sudden cardiac event is a valuable link in the chain of survival for those patients.”

An AED is a portable electronic device about the size of a small lunch box that checks the heart rhythm. During a cardiac emergency, it can audibly prompt and deliver an electric shock that will disrupt or stop the heart’s irregular rhythmic electrical activity. The shock will give the heart an opportunity to re-establish an effective rhythm on its own, providing precious minutes before EMS arrives.

“Fortunately, we haven’t had to use one of these at our facilities yet,” said Rick Zormier, president of the Hobart Little League. “But with 400 games a year, and more than 300 kids in the league, there are thousands of parents, grandparents, coaches, and kids who now have added protection with the availability of this device.”

Promoting cardiac health and education is part of St. Mary Medical Center’s commitment to building healthier communities. As an Accredited Chest Pain Center, the hospital has been recognized for excellence in care and treatment during the critical first stages of a heart attack.