In the United States alone, nearly 1600 lives PER DAY are lost due to no AED being readily available. Virtually anyone with a heart (most of the population) could suffer from SCA (sudden cardiac arrest). Risk is not just limited to the elderly or obese. Young, fit people with no symptoms suffer at a lower rate but are susceptible all the same. 

The Montgomery County Extension Council reached out to the Fire Department to inquire if this were an issue locally and it was. Most businesses and organizations with high volume of people traffic in Montgomery County do not have an AED due to their hefty cost. To address the issue, the council agreed to sponsoring 30 Automated External Defibrillator for the public. The Family and Consumer Sciences Agent alongside the AED committee took lead regarding creating applications for businesses/organization to complete and submit. 

There were 15 applicants who were approved by the committee. The other 15 AEDs were placed throughout the county by the Fire Department Captain where he saw a need. 

Overall, this project increases the rate of sudden cardiac arrest survival from about around 5% to over 50%. An AED will not treat a non-shockable heart rhythm. However, defibrillation is the only treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. Early treatment is key. After ten minutes without defibrillation or CPR, the victim’s chances for survival diminish significantly.The community has shown gratitude that this council was able to offer such a community beneficial project.