CHI - St. Francis

Restarting Hearts, Saving Lives An automated external debrillator (AED) placed by the CHI St. Francis Health Foundation saved the life of a man in Fairmount, North Dakota. When Your Heart Stops Cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system of your heart malfunctions and your heart stops beating. This is different from a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow in the vessels of the heart. However, a heart attack may cause cardiac arrest and sudden death. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone of any age. If someone suddenly collapses or becomes unresponsive, they may have gone into cardiac arrest. If you think someone's heart has stopped, call 911 immediately. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, turn it on and then follow the prompts. If an AED is not available, begin chest compressions—push hard and fast, and keep pushing until the person starts to breathe or someone with more advanced training can take over. Sudden cardiac arrest is when your heart stops beating. According to the American Red Cross, using an AED is the only eective treatment for restarting a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. For a man doing business in Fairmount this March, an AED meant the dierence between life and death. "First responders arrived on the scene within two minutes," says Gary Ruhl, Richland County Deputy Sheri. "They began doing compressions and CPR, but they wereineective." Once Ocer Ruhl arrived on the scene, an AED machine was used to begin delivering shocks. After the fourth use of the AED, the man's heart began to beat. By the time the ambulance arrived, the man was unconscious, but alive. Bringing Life to the Community "The CHI St. Francis Health Foundation received a three-year grant from the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to distribute AEDs free of charge throughout our communities," says Lynnae Wenker, director of the CHI St. Francis Health Foundation. "This year was the nal year for the HRSA grant, and in total, we have handed out more than 50 life-saving devices." In 2016, the Foundation distributed AEDs to: • Breckenridge Lutheran Church • Breckenridge Police Department and new City Hall • Colfax Fire Department • Great Bend Fire Department • Hankinson Public School • Lidgerwood Senior Citizens Center • Lidgerwood Community Museum • Mantador VFW • Richland County Sheri's Department • Red River Human Services Foundation • Wahpeton Parks and Recreation • Wilkin County HighwayDepartment "Every second counts during cardiac arrest," Lynnae says. "The Emergency Department at CHI St. Francis Health is the closest critical access hospital for thousands of people in our rural service area. We know how vital it is that AEDs are present and available in our communities." To show your support, visit www.sfcare.org and click "Foundation" or visit www.foundationgiftlegacy.org. 2 Highway 75 North and 210 West

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