News and Events

August 2, 2007

Defibrillator Program Swings Into Action
From Hudson Star Observer, August 2, 2007, Doug Stohlberg, writer and editor

(HUDSON, Wisc.) Hudsonites are already hearing the term “AED” and, beginning this week, the term “PAD” is being added to the mix. What both monikers refer to are life-saving defibrillation devices and programs in local businesses, public gathering places and high-traffic sites.

AEDs (automated external defibrillators) began surfacing in the community a few years back, and they have already saved several lives, including three publicized events at the St. Croix Valley YMCA and one at Fleet Farm. There are currently 24 AED devices in the community.

Last year, Hudson Hospital and St. Croix Emergency Medical Services teamed together to form the Public Access Defibrillation program. The goal of the newly formed coalition is to add 10 more AED units each year in the community into the future and offer service and maintenance of all AEDs, including the existing units.

“We’ve identified and prioritized about 30 locations that have immediate needs,” said registered nurse Philip Hughes, the CPR training coordinator at Hudson Hospital.

Hughes is one the four committee members working on the project. The others are Wes Halvorsen, AED program coordinator, St. Croix EMS; Karen Hansen, PAD program development, Hudson Hospital; and John Marnell, director of development, Hudson Hospital.

“There is a definite need,” said Halvorsen. Last year the EMS had 323 cardiac calls. Of those, 23 were non-breathing calls.”

Locations that participate in the PAD program receive an AED at a discounted price, continuing free maintenance of the device and free AED training and CPR training for five people.

“The unit is very user-friendly,” Halvorsen said. “In fact, it is simple for people administering aid.”

State law, however, requires that sites with AED units must have training for the AED and have people trained in CPR. Under the PAD program, AED sites will receive the necessary assistance.

The program has been financially underwritten by the Hudson Hospital Foundation Board, with which Marnell is associated. The foundation sent an appeal letter last November and raised nearly $45,000, most of which has gone to the PAD program. Sites interested in purchasing AEDs can purchase the units (which includes ongoing training, maintenance and record-keeping) for $603. Usually the AED unit alone costs about $1,600. The foundation funds were also used to purchase the costly training dummy dubbed “Resuscitation Annie.” All equipment is purchased through the EMS account because it qualifies for discounts.

“It is possible that the foundation may sometime look at hiring a part-time coordinator,” Marnell said. Currently, all committee members are splitting duties on a volunteer basis or combining it with their current jobs.

Hansen said that seven new locations have signed up for the program and will have AED units on site this week or in the very near future. Ten units were ordered. She expects they will all be spoken for in the near future.

The seven new locations are St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bethel Highlands Lutheran Church, Faith Community Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Croix Marina, Freedom Valu Center ( North Hudson) and Primrose School of Woodbury (Hudson Chamber member). The PAD program has also contracted with Nor-Lake (plant) and Phipps Center for the Arts for training and maintenance programs for existing units.

Jeff Holmes, manager of the St. Croix Marina, said he is thrilled to have the AED unit on site.

“It’s like a fire extinguisher — you hope you never have to use it, but it’s great to have it if you need it,” Holmes said. “The program is great for the public and great for us. We have tens of thousands of people through our facility each year. I appreciate the hospital and EMS for taking the lead in this effort.”

Hansen said reception of the program has been positive.

“I hope that we can implement a couple of phases,” Hansen said. “Our first phase is the widespread distribution and training. The second phase would include a larger training center. But we are happy to get Phase 1 up and running for now.”

Marnell hopes the Hudson model will become something other communities can duplicate.

“Woodbury has already contacted us about starting a program,” Marnell said. “We’d also like to extend AEDs into Hudson-area neighborhoods, but we have to do some more work on that idea.”

Hughes and Halvorsen said the one question that is frequently asked is the liability of someone administering aid with an AED unit.

“ Wisconsin has a Good Samaritan Law,” Halvorsen said. “There is no liability if a lay person is offering assistance in good faith.”

Hansen said the PAD program requires teamwork.

“It is the collaboration of concerned citizens, emergency medical services, local leaders, public safety officials, civic organizations, businesses, local health care practitioners and, in many cases, survivors — to tell their stories,” Hansen said. “By choosing to implement a PAD program, Hudson Hospital and St. Croix EMS are making the commitment to save more lives and strengthen the chain of survival in our community.”

For more information on the PAD program, contact Hansen at (715) 531-6056. Anyone interested in donating to the program, or to the hospital foundation, contact Marnell at (715) 531-6075.

# # # # #

Hudson Hospital is an independent, non-profit community hospital since 1953, and is located just off Interstate I-94 in Hudson, WI. The hospital campus is designed with the latest technology and amenities to support whole health and healing for patients and their families. Twenty-five private hospital rooms feature private bath, garden views, guest accommodations, room service for patients and guests, and spacious room to relax or visit with family, friends and even the family pet. Hudson Hospital recognizes the important role that family and friends can play in health and recovery, and personalizes a plan of care that works best for the patient and their family. Specialty services include inpatient and outpatient care in rehabilitation, emergency care, orthopaedic care, maternity and birth, surgery, cardiology, and treatment, rehabilitation and medical imaging. Hudson Hospital , Hudson Physicians Clinic, Hudson Specialty Clinics and numerous other health care providers are conveniently located in the warm and comfortable environment of Hudson Health Campus.