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Heart Safe Communities

In an ongoing commitment to safeguarding community health, the New Ulm Medical Center is reaching beyond the walls of its facility in an initiative to help place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in multiple locations throughout the area. The program is called Heart Safe Communities and it kicked off in October 2004 with the presentation of the first AED to New Ulm High School during half time at a football game.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States, striking more than 450,000 people a year. The most effective treatment for sudden cardiac arrest is an electric shock to the heart, called defibrillation. This “shock” is administered by an AED.

The Heart Safe Communities program’s goal is three-fold: to educate citizens about sudden cardiac arrest and methods to improve heart health; to raise funds to install defibrillators in community gathering places; and to train everyday citizens to use defibrillators to save lives.

The New Ulm Medical Center Auxiliary recently presented the NUMC Foundation with $2,200 for full sponsorship of an AED placed near the auditorium at the medical center, and $70,000 for the Auxiliary’s 2004 pledge to the current building project. Pictured are (l-r) Betty Thorson, 2005 president of the Auxiliary, Evie Hacker, past president of the Auxiliary, and Carisa Buegler, Foundation/Marketing Manager for the New Ulm Medical Center.

As part of the program, the New Ulm Medical Center Foundation is working to raise the funds to place AEDs in the New Ulm area. These donations have been received from individuals, service clubs, youth associations, the Minnesota Vikings, and employees and physicians of the New Ulm Medical Center. Through this initiative, nonprofit organizations and public government buildings will be given an opportunity to purchase an AED at half-price ($1,100). Eighteen AED locations have been identified by the Heart Safe Committee and will receive top priority. AEDs will be placed as funds have been raised. Nonprofits that are not listed but request an AED at half-price will be on a first-come, first-serve basis as the necessary funds can be raised. The Foundation is continuing to accept donations to help nonprofits – like schools and government buildings – to assist them in purchasing an AED. AEDs are being placed in the following locations: 6 locations in the New Ulm Public Schools, Cathedral High School, Martin Luther College, New Ulm Civic Center, New Ulm Medical Center, AMPI, Kraft, New Ulm Community Center, Public Library, Family Recreation Center, Martin Luther College, Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School, St. Paul’s Elementary School, Cathedral High School, St. Anthony Elementary School, NUACS Middle School and Flandrau State Park.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

SCA is usually caused by an electrical malfunction of the heart called ventricular fibrillation (VF) – an ineffective quivering of the heart muscle that makes it unable to pump blood through the body. Once the blood stops circulating, a person quickly loses consciousness and the ability to breathe and will die without effective treatment. Defibrillation is most effective when applied within three to five minutes of the onset of sudden cardiac arrest. The success of resuscitation drops about 10 percent with each passing minute. After 10 minutes in cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival is only about 2 percent.

SCA strikes about 1,000 people a day in the US alone, as many as 1 million people a year worldwide. Tragically, almost all of them die, making SCA one of the leading causes of death. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, any time, although some medical conditions can increase a person’s risk of suffering cardiac arrest.

Use of Automatic External Defibrillators

AEDs are very accurate and will not shock someone who is not in cardiac arrest. When used properly and with appropriate precautions, AEDs pose no risk to either the rescuer or the patient. AEDs are appropriate to use on individuals from age one through adult.

The purchase of each AED package includes training in use of the device, as well as a wall mount cabinet, a site assessment, medical prescription and oversight of the program.

For more information
If you would like more information on how to purchase an AED, or to find out more about making a contribution to this life-saving program contact the New Ulm Medical Center Foundation at 507-233-1180 or Heart Safe Communities Coordinator, Lori Burkhart, at 507-233-1910.

New Ulm Medical Center
1324 Fifth St. N.
New Ulm, MN 56073
507-233-1000
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