The Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department and the Wethersfield Volunteer Firefighters Association have donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for use at the 9/11 Memorial Sports Center at the Pitkin Community Center. Membership of the Association and the WVFD staff agreed that there was a need for the life-saving device when the Fitness Room and Gymnasium opened in September. The membership of both organizations unanimously decided to pool their resources to purchase the equipment.
An automated external defibrillator requires minimal training to use. All AEDs approved for use in the United States use an electronic voice to prompt users through each step. It automatically diagnoses the heart rhythm and determines if a shock is needed, then instructs the rescuer on how to follow through. No shock will be given if it is not needed.
The AED will be mounted in an area that will be accessible to all at the Community Center, not just those who will be exercising in the Sports Center. Staff that already are trained in CPR will now be educated in the use of the AED, and CPR classes with AED included will be announced soon for the general public.